Impact Stories

Help with procuring Aadhar Card

Aadhar card acts as a proof of one's identity, it’s the most important document to have as a citizen of India. The Aadhar card is sought while opening bank accounts, admissions in hospitals, schools or even availing the benefits of government subsidies. However, things really get difficult when one doesn't have any document to back their existence since even to get Aadhar, once needs other identity papers. 25-year-old Shashi Joshi works as a househelp in the apartments Northwest Ahmedabad. Staying in the city for the last seven months with her husband and brother-in-law in a rented house, she earns Rs 7,000 per month. Her husband works with a transport company. They married a few years ago after falling in love, something not easy in rural India.

Shashi’s father-in-law helped her to have Aadhar card and even helped her to get election card. However, life turned upside down at her maternal place when her father who used to work as a security guard passed away due to kidney failure. Her mother didn't have any document to back herself. She didn't have a bank account in her name. This spiralled into other problems. She wasn't allowed to get a house on rent. When she approached buildings to work as househelp, she was asked for an Aadhar card. Hence, at every step, questions rose for the need for valid documents to prove her existence and support her livelihood.

After not being able to get a home on rent in Jamnagar, a town north of Ahmedabad, she stayed for a few months along with her daughter. Shashi’s younger brother and sister too accompanied her. After seeing their ordeal, Shashi felt that her mother and siblings needed Aadhar card at any cost. Hence, Shashi discussed her issues with one of the owners of the house where she worked. She was guided by one of the members to Infoanalytica Foundation.

Shashi says, "With no documents, there were too many hassles faced by my family members. My mother only had a ration card which didn't prove of any use in obtaining Aadhar card. We visited various Aadhar card centers in different areas but failed to get the document. We were then advised by Infoanalytica Foundation that we should approach the corporator to solve the issue. They assisted us in meeting the corporator and he guided us to get the affidavit done. The charges were paid by the Infoanalytica Foundation. We gave the electricity bill of my address and phone number of my husband."

She then adds, "The troubles didn't end there. With the affidavit, we visited the center but once the server was down while once there was a problem with fingerprints and so, we had to spend money on transport too. Each time we spent Rs 500. During our third visit, we finally got it right. Now, my family members are the recipients of Aadhar card. My mother earns Rs 2,000 while my brother works with a vegetable vendor. He earns Rs 5,000 per month. We are happy."

The document has proved to be a blessing for the family. Infoanalytica Foundation helps informal workers get identity related documents for seeking medical help, jobs and education.