Blockade At NH-57 Amid Long Queues & Delay In Aadhaar Corrections For Odisha’s Subhadra Yojana

Bhubaneswar: Irate locals blocked National Highway-57 near Bhograi in Odisha’s Balasore district on Thursday frustrated over long wait, spanning over 3 days, for token to update Aadhaar card at local post office and Seva Kendras.

The last-minute rush to update Aadhaar, linking it to valid phone numbers essential for enrolment in Subhadra Yojana, has reportedly led to a chaos at the service centres. Long queues were seen at Bhograi post office with some having reached there last night. “We have been queuing up here for the last four days only to be told the come the next day. We come here leaving behind our children at home and also have to pay auto fares every day but in vain,” alleged a woman protestor.

Some stood in queues to rectify different mistakes in Aadhaar cards such as date of birth and surname, apprehending that these may debar them from availing the benefits.

Another protestor said that they are taking up Aadhaar corrections for only 50 people in one day. “Arrangements should be made for the same at panchayats for the convenience of the poor,” she added.

On being informed, police reached the spot and managed to pacify the agitators.

Serpentine queues were also seen at Malkangiri post office for Aadhaar corrections since last evening due alleged server failure. Similars scenes were reported from other places too.

The chaos persisted despite Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida’s clarification on Wednesday that there is no last date for enrolment in the scheme and it will continue till all eligible women are included. She also advised to lodged complaints by calling the helpline number (14678) if anyone asks for money at any stage of the Subhadra application process. The helpline will remain functional from 6 am to 10 pm every day. “While enrolled women will get their first instalment under the scheme on September 17, those who enrol late will get their money subsequently,” she added