Recognition Amidst Resistance
Meghalaya Honoured with UIDAI Awards for Aadhaar Excellence: In a striking example of administrative efficiency, Meghalaya received national recognition from the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) on April 8, 2025, for outstanding work in Aadhaar implementation. Even as protests erupted in Shillong over mandatory Aadhaar linkage, the state was lauded for excelling in two specific areas — biometric updates of children and verification of adult Aadhaar enrolment. The event was held in New Delhi, where Shai Kupar War, the state’s Aadhaar nodal officer, accepted the awards on behalf of Meghalaya.
Two Awards, One Goal: Effective Aadhaar Rollout
Meghalaya was declared the best-performing state in two crucial Aadhaar-related categories. First, the state led in ensuring that children’s biometric data is updated timely, a task often overlooked in many regions. Second, the state topped the performance list for adult Aadhaar enrolment verification, ensuring the credibility and integrity of the data collected. This success reflects Meghalaya’s well-coordinated effort across departments, from field teams to district officials, working together to meet UIDAI’s standards.
Praise from the Top
Joram Beda, Commissioner and Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, commended the efforts of everyone involved. He emphasized that the awards were not just symbolic wins but a recognition of the systematic, inclusive digital governance model that the state has adopted. According to him, despite challenges, Meghalaya maintained high service quality in areas that directly impact public service delivery.
About UIDAI and Its Mission
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) operates under the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY). It is the statutory body responsible for issuing Aadhaar, the 12-digit unique identity number based on biometric and demographic data. Aadhaar has become the backbone of India’s digital welfare architecture, enabling direct benefit transfers, digital ID verification, and access to essential schemes.
Controversy Around Aadhaar Linkage
Ironically, the celebration of these achievements comes at a time when groups like the Awaken India Movement are questioning the mandatory nature of Aadhaar for welfare schemes. In Shillong and other regions, protests have intensified against what activists call “forced digital inclusion.” However, the government maintains that Aadhaar streamlines welfare and reduces corruption.
Static GK Snapshot
Meghalaya Honoured with UIDAI Awards for Aadhaar Excellence:
| Category | Details |
| Event | UIDAI Award Ceremony |
| Date | April 8, 2025 |
| Location | New Delhi |
| State Awarded | Meghalaya |
| Award Categories | 1. Biometric Update for Children 2. Adult Verification |
| Recipient | Shai Kupar War, Aadhaar Nodal Officer |
| UIDAI’s Role | Identity verification and Aadhaar issuance |
| Ministry Involved | Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) |
