Team Herald
MARGAO: Concerns are growing among residents over the increasing misuse of documents in the Aadhaar card application process. Citizens have come forward alleging that fraudulent practices—such as the use of fake addresses and misrepresentation of housing details—are being employed by individuals, particularly migrants, to obtain Aadhaar cards.
Local residents claim that house numbers and addresses are being falsely used without the knowledge or consent of the actual occupants. In several instances, rented tenants or non-local migrants have allegedly submitted applications listing someone else’s residential address as their own.
“We recently found out that someone had used our house number in their Aadhaar application without even living here,” said Tony Pinto, a long-time resident of Fatorda. “I only came to know when we received a letter addressed to a name we didn’t recognise. When I contacted the Aadhaar office, they confirmed the number had been used in a new application.”
Another resident, Pravin Naik, echoed similar concerns. “This isn’t just a one-off incident. Several families have experienced the same. People who have never lived here are listing our addresses, and sometimes even submitting forged rental agreements," he said.
Migrants and temporary renters are reportedly among those frequently cited in such cases. Some locals believe that the pressure to quickly obtain identification documents pushes them into resorting to such measures.
“We understand that everyone needs an Aadhaar card for essential services, but using someone else’s address without permission is dishonest and harmful,” said Thelma Fernandes, a social worker in the area. “It can lead to legal confusion, especially if that person is later involved in any financial or legal dispute.”
Residents are now urging authorities to implement stricter verification mechanisms during the Aadhaar enrolment process.
“The UIDAI must work closely with local municipal offices and housing societies to verify addresses before issuing Aadhaar cards,” suggested citizens. “At the very least, there should be a physical verification or cross-check with property owners in the case of rented premises.”
The issue has sparked calls for greater vigilance, transparency, and community awareness.