Has Corruption Infected UIDAI – DO YOU HAVE TO PAY A BRIBE TO GET AADHAAR CARD ?

Academic and Creative Writing Journal Vikram Karve: DO YOU HAVE TO PAY A BRIBE TO GET AADHAAR CARD ?.

Link to original post in my journal: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2014/01/do-you-have-to-pay-bribe-to-get-aadhaar.html

DO YOU HAVE TO PAY A BRIBE TO GET AADHAAR CARD ?

I want an Aadhaar Card.

I have made repeated efforts to get an Aadhaar Card.

I have enrolled, I have re-enrolled – but till today I have not received my Aadhaar Card.

My numerous complaints have not been satisfactorily responded to by the UIDAI.

Let me tell about my efforts to get an Aadhaar Card.

FIRST ENROLMENT

I first enrolled for Aadhaar on 08 February 2012 (08/02/2012).

The enrolment centre was located in a leading IT Software Company in Pune and Enrolment Agency was “Tera Software Ltd”

There was a big rush and I had to wait for more than 3 hours in a queue before I was enrolled.

I was issued an acknowledgement receipt with an enrolment number.

I did not receive my Aadhaar Card for over 6 months despite repeated reminders from my side.

On checking Aadhaar Status on the UIDAI website, the status would show: “Your Aadhaar Number is under generation”.

Suddenly, 10 months after enrolment, in November 2012, the status said: “Your Aadhaar enrolment could not be processed due to data process error. Please re-enroll yourself at the nearest enrolment centre”

RE – ENROLMENT

Accordingly, I re-enrolled myself for Aadhaar on 10 December 2012 (10/12/2012).

The Enrolment Centre was located in IDBI Bank Hinjewadi Pune and the Enrolment Agency was “Sreeven Infocom Limited”.

I explained to the lady enroller that my first Aadhaar enrolment had failed due to data process error and asked her to be extra careful and ensure that my data was collected properly.

The enroller took due care and confirmed to me that my biometric details had been recorded perfectly.

She also cross-checked my documents of Proof of Identity (PAN Card), Proof of Address (Electricity Bill in my name) and even took a Date of Birth proof document from me and attached photocopies of all these documents to the form which she was forwarding.

She assured me that I would receive my Aadhaar Card within 3 months.

I was issued an acknowledgement receipt with an enrolment number.

This time the Aadhaar enrolment acknowledgement form had additional comments like “Good Fingerprint Quality”, “Biometrics Captured Fingers (10) Iris (2) Face” etc.

I eagerly waited for my Aadhaar card.

Unfortunately, exactly the same sequence of events happened as had taken place during the first Aadhaar Enrolment.

For the first few months the status report said: “Your Aadhaar Number is under generation”.

After more than 6 months had elapsed, the Aadhaar status said: “Your Aadhaar enrolment could not be processed due to data process error. Please re-enroll yourself at the nearest enrolment centre”

Why was “data process error” occurring again and again?

What exactly are these “data processing errors” which were happening more than 6 months after enrolment?

I sent emails to UIDAI (E-Mail id: help@uidai.gov.in) but received no response.

It seemed that things were moving in a circle and I was destined not to get an Aadhaar Card.

APATHETIC GRIEVANCE REDRESSAL SYSTEM OF UIDAI

It has been my experience that the UIDAI Grievance Redressal Mechanism is totally ineffective.

Since I am keen to get an Aadhaar Card and I do not want the same “data process error” to happen again and again, I made a number of complaints by email / helpline but did not receive any satisfactory response.

The only response to my complaints and grievances I received was a call from the UIDAI Mumbai Office that I should re-enroll once again (for the third time) and try my luck.

I asked the official: “This time can you please guarantee that that there will be no “data processing errors” and can you assure me that I will receive my Aadhaar Card?”

He laughed it off, saying: “Who can guarantee anything? The whole enrolment process has been outsourced to private companies. You re-enroll once more and try your luck. If your Aadhaar generation fails again, you keep trying again and again.”

This reply from UIDAI left me bewildered. I did not know whether to laugh or cry.

A few days ago, I discussed my Aadhaar woes with a friend of mine, who said matter-of-factly, “You have spent all your life in uniform serving in the Defence Services, so you don’t know anything about the outside world. In India, you cannot get anything done unless you pay a bribe.”

I was aghast.

“Do you have to pay a bribe for an Aadhaar Card?”

At first I did not believe my friend.

But then I read this news report that an Aadhaar enroller had been caught taking bribes for making Aadhaar Cards. What is worse, if you paid bribes you could get an Aadhaar Card made even without the necessary documents:

 

http://www.punemirror.in/article/2/2013012420130124082539284e197176d/Youth-held-in-Aadhar-scam.html 

If corruption is rampant in the Aadhaar Enrolment System, it is no wonder that even illegal immigrants who are not citizens of India are being issued Aadhaar Cards, as frequent news reports say:

 

http://www.myaadhaarcard.in/aadhaar-news/21-illegal-bangladeshi-immigrants-caught-with-aadhar-and-voter-card/

 

http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/don-t-issue-aadhar-cards-to-illegal-immigrants-supreme-court-tells-centre-422374

DO YOU HAVE TO PAY A BRIBE TO GET AADHAAR CARD?

The Government keeps saying that Aadhaar Card is voluntary.

But in actual fact they are making it compulsory by making Aadhaar mandatory for LPG subsidized cylinders and other requirements.

A retired defence officer told me that soon veteran armed forces ex-servicemen of the army navy and air force will not be able to avail medical treatment under ECHS unless they had an Aadhaar Card.

The more they make anything compulsory, the more the scope for corruption.

Will the virus of corruption infect the UIDAI Aadhaar System too?

The UIDAI is headed by Mr. Nandan Nilekani, a distinguished technocrat who has achieved outstanding success in the IT Industry.

 

My repeated efforts at obtaining an Aadhaar Card in an honest manner have failed, so I want to ask Mr. Nandan Nilekani a simple question: “Do I have to pay a bribe to get an Aadhaar Card?”

Posted by Vikram Karve at 1/02/2014 11:42:00 AM 

No Aadhaar Number even after 2 years : Survey

No Aadhaar Number even after 2 years: Survey.

Click the link above and read about the Aadhaar Fiasco

CORRUPTION

Academic and Creative Writing Journal Vikram Karve: CORRUPTION – Who is Responsible.

Click the link above and read the article in my journal

Also posted below for your convenience

Who is to be held Responsible and Accountable for Corruption ?

CORRUPTION and CULPABILITY

THE TOP MAN MUST BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR CORRUPTION IN AN ORGANIZATION

Musings

By

VIKRAM KARVE

In recent times, it is quite amusing to see top leaders dodging responsibility for scams and corrupt activities in their organisations and passing the buck to their juniors. If there is a scam, the top man cannot escape culpability and must be held accountable for corruption in the organisation which he heads. In such situations there can be four scenarios:

1. THE TOP MAN IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CORRUPTION

The scam is done at the behest of the leader by morally pliable juniors. Thus, in this case, it is the top man who is directing and presiding over the corruption and the obsequious, subservient and “flexible” subordinates facilitating, helping and participating in carrying out the corruption and also enjoying their share of the “pie” in the loot.

If you observe the various scams in the news these days, you will realize that most present day corruption falls in this category.

2. THE TOP MAN IS INVOLVED IN THE CORRUPTION

A corruption “system” (systemic corruption) may already be in place in an organisation and the top man joins in and becomes a part of it.

Here is an illustrative example:

“X” joined as the boss of an inspection organisation on deputation. He had not served in that organisation before. At the end of the first month, he found an envelope with money in his drawer. On enquiring, he was told that this was his “share” in the “hafta”or “mamool”. He took the envelope and put it in his briefcase. He thus became a part of the “system”.

3. THE TOP MAN TURNS A BLIND EYE TO THE CORRUPTION

The top man knows that there is corruption going on in his organisation but turns a blind eye, looks the other way, and does nothing to stop the corrupt practices. He does not want to “rock the boat” or “ruffle feathers” so he lets the corruption happen unhindered.

Whereas in earlier cases the leader was guilty of “commission” in this case he is guilty of “omission”.   

4. THE TOP MAN IS CLUELESS ABOUT THE CORRUPTION

The top man is so incompetent that he does not know what is going on in his organisation and is ignorant and clueless about the corruption happening in his organisation.

(It is possible that he may be faking innocence, pretending to be clueless and feigning ignorance to wriggle out of the situation as we see in some recent cases).

Even if he is genuinely clueless about the corruption in his organisation then he is not fit to head the organisation and must be sacked on grounds of incompetence.

CONCLUSION

It is clear from the four cases elucidated above that the leader or top man:

1. Is Responsible for the corruption

2. Is Involved in the corruption

3. Turns a Blind Eye to the corruption and let’s the corruption happen unhindered

4. Is Clueless about the corruption going on in his organisation due to his incompetence and ineptitude.

In all the four cases the leader or top man must be held culpable for the corruption in an organisation.

When a scam happens or corruption is prevalent in an organisation, the top man or leader cannot shirk responsibility and escape accountability.

Therefore, even if there is a whiff of a scam or the slightest evidence of corruption in an organisation, the top man must be held responsible, accountable and culpable and sacked immediately in order to envisage a fair and speedy investigation.

Dear Reader, do you agree with the musings above?

Or do you have a different take on the subject?

Please comment and tell us your views.

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve 2012

Vikram Karve has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work. 

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

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About Vikram Karve

A creative person with a zest for life, Vikram Karve is a retired Naval Officer turned full time writer. Educated at IIT Delhi, ITBHU Varanasi, The Lawrence School Lovedale and Bishops School Pune, Vikram has published two books: COCKTAIL a collection of fiction short stories about relationships (2011) and APPETITE FOR A STROLL a book of Foodie Adventures (2008) and is currently working on his novel and a book of vignettes and short fiction. An avid blogger, he has written a number of fiction short stories, creative non-fiction articles on a variety of topics including food, travel, philosophy, academics, technology, management, health, pet parenting, teaching stories and self help in magazines and published a large number of professional research papers in journals and edited in-house journals for many years, before the advent of blogging. Vikram has taught at a University as a Professor for almost 15 years and now teaches as a visiting faculty and devotes most of his time to creative writing. Vikram lives in Pune India with his family and muse – his pet dog Sherry with whom he takes long walks thinking creative thoughts.

Vikram Karve Academic and Creative Writing Journal: http://karvediat.blogspot.com
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© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Academic and Creative Writing Journal Vikram Karve – SCAM MANAGEMENT

Academic and Creative Writing Journal Vikram Karve: SCAM MANAGEMENT.

Click the link above and read the post in my journal

AM I A VICTIM OF DEEMED CORRUPTION ?

Academic and Creative Writing Journal Vikram Karve: AM I A VICTIM OF DEEMED CORRUPTION ?.

AM I A VICTIM OF DEEMED CORRUPTION ?


This morning while discussing recent events pertaining to Anna Hazare’s Anti-Corruption Movement, the Lokpal Bill and current events, someone mentioned the term “Deemed Corruption”. He said that if a government servant delays the work of a citizen beyond a reasonable time then that government servant will be deemed to be corrupt and it will be a case of deemed corruption. After hearing this, I thought of a recent problem which is happening to me and I wonder whether I am unwittingly a victim of deemed corruption. 


When I was in the navy we were required to be prompt in the performance of our duties, but unfortunately the same promptness was not shown towards us by various civilian “babus” especially those in accounts offices. And now, for no fault of mine, I am facing a problem after my retirement too, owing to the indifferent attitude of the lower bureaucracy. I retired almost one year ago but even till today a part of my retirement benefits have been withheld because of gross inefficiency on the part of a nameless faceless clerk. Let me tell you about it.


Our Accounts Office withheld a substantial amount from my retirement benefits for adjustments towards house rent since my original rent bills were not received by them from the MES (Military Engineering Service) from the year 2008 onwards despite reminders. (I had no role to play in this – the MES is required to directly send the bills to our Accounts Office promptly in a time bound manner). Of course, my pay office had been deducting provisional house rent every month from my salary but they said they had to reconcile with the original rent bills, adjust plus or minus, get it audited, and only then could they release the money due to me.


I occupied those government quarters in 2008 and vacated them in 2010. Monthly provisional rent has been regularly recovered from me. The biggest joke is that the MES has issued me a Final Clearance Certificate and a Final No Demand Certificate when I vacated the house. These certificates have been sent to the Accounts Office. But all this is of no use as they want the original rent bills from the MES and there is nothing I can do about it except write reminders and wait patiently. 


Someone told me that as per norms the MES is required to send rent bills to the accounts office every quarter (within three months) but in this case the work has been delayed by over four years by some clerk in the MES and I am the loser for no fault of mine. There is no effective grievance redressal machinery to whom I can complain. All that is happening is that there is ever-increasing correspondence as letters and reminders are being exchanged between various agencies but nothing seems to move the mighty clerks of the MES. 


I wonder whether this inordinate delay is due to inefficiency or is it a case of deemed corruption? 


Is it possible that my work is being purposely delayed because I did not pay the required “mamool” or speed money? Frankly I don’t know whether I have to pay a bribe to the MES clerks in order to get this routine work done – I have never done so before and I am not going to do so now. 


This case shows that how the clerks of the lower bureaucracy are supreme. They have no accountability and seem to be invulnerable. No one is held responsible for such delays and for non-performance of their duties. I am sure many such cases of “deemed corruption” are happening everywhere and common citizens are suffering for no fault of theirs as their work is inordinately delayed by lower bureaucracy.


Anna Hazare is right. Whereas Grand Corruption and Multi-Crore Scams grab the headlines and this may be important at the macro level as it affects the nation, at the micro level, it is petty corruption by the lower bureaucracy which is troubling the common citizen. It will be a great relief to the common man if the chronic problem of omnipresent all-pervading petty corruptioncan be addressed effectively.


I wish the government enacts a strong and effective Lokpal Bill which brings the lower bureaucracy under its purview, specifies a time bound Citizens Charter, implements and puts in place an effective, prompt, easy to use, e-governance style IT Based onlineGrievance Redressal Mechanism and, most importantly, incorporates the concept of deemed corruption and stipulates severe punishment and heavy penalties for those indulging in deemed corruption and harassing the common citizen. This will surely help alleviate the distress caused to the common citizen.


PS – As far as my case is concerned, I don’t know what to do. Any suggestions on how to solve my problem?