Guwahati: The Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangh (BGP) has warmly welcomed the Ministry of Home Affairs’ notification resolving the NRC Biometrics-Aadhar issue.
The resolution is set to provide relief to nearly 9.35 lakh people in Assam, including over one lakh Gorkhas, the BGP, a national social organization representing Gorkhas in India, said.
Nanda Kirati Dewan, General Secretary of the Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangh, Assam State Committee, expressed appreciation for the MHA notification.
Dewan highlighted that the Gorkha Parisangh has been diligently following up on the NRC Biometrics-Aadhar issue with the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), the Registar General of India (RGI) and the Ministry of Home Affairs for the past five years.
The BGP leader acknowledged the efforts of both ruling and opposition MPs in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, who raised the issue at the request of the Gorkha community.
Dewan gave special recognition to Gaurav Gogoi, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, for his persistent efforts in bringing attention to this issue.
The BGP also praised the Assam Gorkha Sammelan, the parent Gorkha organization in the state, for its exemplary work in data collection and collaboration with various agencies and departments.
The issue arose from the capturing of biometrics by UIDAI authorities during the NRC process, which had, over half a decade, hindered the issuance of Aadhar cards.
This led to the violation of basic rights, such as access to essentials through the PDS, rural banking, financial inclusion, Direct Benefit Transfers from the state and central governments.
It also affected the ability to open and operate bank accounts, secure college admissions, access healthcare, join the defense services, and obtain government employment.
Process of police verification, issuance of PRC and other documents, obtaining basic needs like SIM card and important documents like passport were affected.
The Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangh also expressed gratitude to the Assam Government and thanked Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma who on Wednesday said that the Centre will release the Aadhar card of over 9.35 lakh people of the state.
