Aadhar camp: Absence of officials amid rain infuriates residents

Tribune News Service

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Mussoorie, September 22

A camp of the Social Welfare Department to enroll people for Aadhaar card and other welfare schemes witnessed commotion today as the staff concerned arrived “very late” at the Garhwal Terrace whereas residents in large numbers had been waiting for hours amid heavy rainfall.

A day before, the Municipal Council, as directed by the District Magistrate, had made announcements through loudspeakers in the area to apprise people of the camp, requesting them to make optimum utilisation of the opportunity.

Residents, along with public representatives, began turning up at the camp since morning. They had also brought children to get them registered for Aadhar Card amid heavy rainfall. But the officials concerned were missing. Despite waiting for hours, the whereabouts of the officials was unknown, they claimed. This incensed residents, who accused the Social Welfare Department of callousness.

The officials concerned arrived “late” (after 11 am) at the camp, but sensing the anger of residents, they called off the camp, much to the chagrin of people.

Kuldeep Rawat, one of the residents, said he along with others was waiting at the Garhwal Terrace since morning to get himself registered for Aadhar Card, following the announcement of the Municipal Council. “People waited for the officials concerned for Aadhar Card, pension and other schemes. But none had arrived until 11 am. Some people had brought their children as well. They started creating ruckus. Police personnel had a tough time pacifying them,” he said.

Gagan Rawat, an official of the Social Welfare Department, said the camp was to be held jointly by several departments. “Staff of my department could register only 10 beneficiaries under the widow pension scheme during the camp. The camp couldn’t be continued due to the commotion and heavy rain,” he added.