On July 25, 2023, a significant milestone was achieved in India’s efforts to streamline services for the armed forces as the inaugural ceremony of the first Permanent Aadhaar Enrolment Centre (PAEC) for the Army took place at 1 Central Base Post Office (CBPO) in New Delhi. The establishment of this center is a part of a broader initiative to provide Aadhaar-related services to tri-services personnel and their dependents, with plans to extend these services to 48 identified locations across the country.
Enhancing Services for the Armed Forces
The first PAEC is a significant step towards enhancing the delivery of Aadhaar services to members of the armed forces. Aadhaar is a unique 12-digit identification number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), and it serves as a crucial identity document for Indian citizens. However, military personnel often faced challenges in accessing Aadhaar services, especially when stationed in remote areas or field locations.
Extending Services through Field Post Offices
One of the primary objectives of the PAEC initiative is to expand its reach by setting up centers at 48 identified locations across India. These centers will include Field Post Offices situated in strategic areas to cater to military personnel and their dependents even in remote and difficult-to-access regions. This move is expected to reduce the inconvenience and time taken to avail Aadhaar-related services for the armed forces community.
Ministry of Communications’ Support
The Ministry of Communications has played a pivotal role in enabling the establishment of the PAECs. In a statement issued regarding the initiative, the ministry emphasized the importance of providing seamless Aadhaar services to military personnel. The government’s commitment to streamlining services and ensuring ease of access to essential facilities for the armed forces community is commendable.
Collaboration between Department of Posts and UIDAI
The successful implementation of the PAEC initiative is a result of collaborative efforts between the Department of Posts and the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). Both entities have extended their support by providing training, equipment, and technical assistance to make the centers fully functional. This partnership showcases the government’s dedication to leveraging various departments’ expertise to benefit the armed forces personnel.
Wider Access to Aadhaar Services
With the establishment of 48 PAECs across Field and Peace locations, the armed forces personnel and their dependents will have improved access to Aadhaar services. This step will not only streamline the process of enrolling for Aadhaar but also enable them to update and manage their Aadhaar-related information conveniently.