New Delhi
Prasad Nichenametla, Hindustan Times
New Delhi, February 14, 2013
The government's excessive push towards establishing the utility of Aadhaar through direct benefits transfer and other services is backfiring on central agencies through public protests, open resentment shown by states and even judicial challenges.
In the face of public anger in Hyderabad and Ranga Reddy, two districts where LPG subsidy was to be credited to an Aadhaar-linked bank account from February 15, the Andhra Pradesh government has announced suspension of the plan. The dash to enrol for the number last week had led to stampedes and police action at Aadhaar centres.
"The state was not consulted on the LPG subsidy plan, leaving us ill-equipped to handle the situation," D Sridhar Babu, civil supplies minister, said.
The state is writing to the Centre, seeking time till July for Aadhaar-enabled DBT.
Meanwhile, acting on a petition challenging linking of LPG subsidy with Aadhaar, the Andhra HC on Monday issued notices to the state and oil companies, seeking replies within a week. Protests also erupted over making Aadhaar mandatory for the PF process.
Maharashtra has stated that the Aadhaar LPG scheme (planned from February 15) in six districts could be implemented from March 15.
In Bihar, consumers seem reluctant to share their bank details and Aadhaar number with LPG distributors, fearing that it would give taxmen access to their financial data.