Delhi government to provide Aadhaar cards to children living in homes

NEW DELHI: Delhi government has undertaken an intensive drive to enrol children housed in government and NGO run institutions for issue of Aadhaar cards.

The Department of Women and Child Development has directed all the superintendents and officer-in-charge of the institutions to coordinate with the Unique Identification Authority of India ( UIDAI) and ensure that all the children lodged in the institution are provided Aadhaar ( UID) Cards.

The instructions to this effect have been issued and are being followed up, said Dr Satbir Bedi, Principal Secretary ( WCD).

"These children face problems with regard to their identity status when they are released from institutional care upon attaining the age of 18 years. This initiative will greatly help them to get into mainstream society," said Bedi.

Apart from that, having aadhaar cards will also help these children in the long run to get driving license, voter identity card and ration card. They will be also able to open a bank account, Bedi said.

The Department at present is maintaining 22 child care institutions for children in need of care and protection and juvenile in conflict with law under the provisions of Juvenile Justice (Care & Protection of Children) Act, 2000.

Out of these, 16 children homes are for destitute, neglected, orphaned, run away and the children who are vulnerable to any type of exploitation.