Trying to get an Aadhaar card seems to have turned into a life-threatening situation. Two women were injured today when a stampede-like situation arose at the Aadhaar centre in Beeramgunda, Patancheru, Hyderabad.
According to sources, thousands of people have been waiting at the Aadhaar centre since 4am today, but to no avail. The office was locked for a long time, and when some of the people did get hold of the management, they were roughly told that the cards would be issued later.
The counters, which were manned by a measly staff of 4, finally opened a few hours later, only to have all the tired and ornery people, several of them with children in tow, rush towards them in chaotic unison. In this confusion, two women were severely injured, and had to be hospitalised. One of them is said to be in a critical condition.
Meanwhile, the "staff", upon finding themselves ambushed by the angry Aadhaar-less masses, shut shop again.
This situation is prevalent all over the state, as people who have only just found out that all of their subsidies are dependent on being Aadhaar holders are rushing to the counters.
However, reports of corruption amongst the staff at these counters is also rampant. The hapless souls, who have been turning up day after day after day for yet another day of waiting, say that only 100 - 150 cards are issued everyday, and only to those who are willing to pay a minimum of Rs. 500.
The rest are reportedly still clamoring for application forms.
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here for a list of all the Aadhar enrollment centres in the city.