Aadhaar cards are crucial proof of identity for Indian citizens, with each person receiving a unique 12-digit number. However, an unusual case in Nagpur has surfaced, where two students have been assigned the same Aadhaar number, leading to serious academic challenges.
Aadhaar is essential for many activities, such as opening bank accounts, enrolling in schools and colleges, purchasing property, and accessing government schemes.
Aadhaar is widely recognized across the country as proof of identity and address. However, in Nagpur’s Wardhaman Nagar, an unusual case has emerged where Devansh Vinesh Patil and Vansh Narayan Chavan from Pardi, both students, have been assigned the same Aadhaar number. Their parents have been struggling for the past five years to secure a valid Aadhaar card for their children.
Devansh’s mother has visited the Aadhaar update center in Mankapur at least ten times to resolve the issue, but each attempt has only led to new errors. At times, Vansh’s photo appears on Devansh’s Aadhaar, while in other instances, their birth dates or addresses get swapped. Despite multiple efforts, the problem remains unresolved, even posing a challenge for the UIDAI officials at the Mankapur center.
Aadhaar not linked to school portals
Devansh is a fourth-grade student, while Vansh is in the tenth grade. However, their Aadhaar numbers cannot be linked to their school portals, causing schools to repeatedly ask their parents for a valid Aadhaar card. Despite multiple attempts to update the details, the errors persist.
Fraudulent practices
The parents have made several attempts to resolve the issue at the Mankapur centre, but some persons have tried to exploit their situation. “People ask for Rs.2,000, promising resolution in 15 days. Officials at the centre say we need to go to Bangalore. We are being misled. We are exhausted trying to get a correct Aadhaar card for our child,” said Sonali Patil, Devansh’s mother
Expert opinion
“Two students having the same Aadhaar number is an inexplicable and serious issue. Their Aadhaar validation on the school portal is not possible. However, the schools where they are currently studying must accept them. The education department should ensure validation through NIC (National Informatics Centre) as a special case,” said Anil Shivankar, a teacher.