Post offices abuzz with those seeking stamp of identity:

Bangaloreans are busy queuing up at post offices to register for their Unique Identification numbers. Despite some minor inconveniences, people are excited about the process and want other UID registrars to start registrations too. Currently, India Post is offering the service at six post offices across the city.

Jayanagar Head Post Office is registering about 50 citizens every day. The process entails going to the post office and signing up for an appointment when the individual will fill out a form with basic personal information, undergo a 10-fingerprint scan and have her iris scanned. Supervisor Hitesh K R said, "People shouldn't be in a hurry as this process will go on for a year. The Aadhar packet containing their UID number will be sent to their residence." After a citizen completes the registration, she'll receive an acknowledgement of completion immediately, but it could be 45 days before the full UID package is sent.

                Hitesh says the form is "one of the easiest forms in India" and that people need to only carry a photo ID and a proof of address for the registration.

Sreenivasan Iyengar, who had come to register himself, said: "The project is a good idea and we should see what plans the government has for it." But N K Sreedhar Murthy, another applicant, says the process is "highly inconvenient because it is slow." "Only 50 registrations are being done per day which is making the process slow for us. Information brochures should be in English too," said Pavan Kumar, an applicant at the General Post Office. Many said an identification and address proof that has a photo is still compulsory for the procedure. For this PAN card, voter ID cards, passport or ration card is being used. At the GPO too, around 40 to 45 registrations are being done every day. It takes 20 minutes to 30 minutes per issuance.

'Everyone will get a chance'

Ashok Dalwai, deputy director general, told TOI: "As of now, India Post which is a registrar of UID has opened a few counters but public response is overwhelming. They should understand that in a month's time, the Karnataka state government, a major registrar, will open centres across the city, maybe at centres closer to people's residences. Every individual will be covered so there is nothing to worry."

Dalwai added the appointment system is being used to manage crowds at the post offices. People shouldn't take appointments on other people's behalf as this will complicate the process. "The individual should come and get the token herself," he said.

Source: The Times of India