Transgenders too have 'Aadhaar' to avail benefit of schemes
18 May, 2012In a reply to an application filed under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has informed that the number of Aadhaar letters issued to transgenders is 19,447.
Since the inception of the authority in 2009, nearly 16 crore (15,98,86,247 to be exact) such numbers have been issued to various individuals in the Country till February this year. Out of these, 7,71,158 were issued in 2010, 10,21,09,536 in 2011 and 3,40,02,219 were issued between January and February this year. The 12-digit unique identification number issued to a citizen is linked to the resident's demographic and biometric information and can be used to establish the identity anywhere in India, and to access a host of benefits and services.
The authority, which acts as an attached office of the Planning Commission, was set up in January 28, 2009. The total sanctioned strength of UIDAI is 383, out of which 204 are actually in place leaving nearly 45% vacancies. The government has made a budget estimate of Rs 1,300 crore for UIDAI during 2012-13 while the UIDAI received Rs 120 crore during 2009-10, Rs 1,900 in 2010-11 and Rs 1,470 crore during 2011-12.