Dimapur, Jul 3 (PTI) Nagaland's first UIDAI Aadhaar Seva Kendra was inaugurated here on Friday, marking a major step towards improving population enrolment in the state.

The centre, located at Purana Bazaar near the labour department office, was inaugurated by the advisor for tribal affairs and election, H. Tovihoto Ayemi, in the presence of deputy director general, UIDAI regional office, Guwahati, Ngachan Zimik, and other officials.

Addressing the programme, Zimik said Aadhaar enrolment in the state stands at only 67 per cent, leaving about 33 per cent of the population yet to be enrolled, compared to the national Aadhaar saturation of around 99 per cent.

He said Dimapur has achieved about 95 per cent Aadhaar enrolment, while Kohima stands at around 68 per cent, and most other districts range between 59 and 63 per cent, indicating substantial work remains to achieve universal coverage.

He expressed confidence that the new Aadhaar Seva Kendra would significantly contribute to improving enrolment across the state.

Highlighting another major concern, Zimik stressed the importance of mandatory biometric updates for children aged between 5 and 15 years.

He said timely biometric updates are essential to prevent Aadhaar suspension and ensure uninterrupted access to the services.

Tovihoto described the inauguration as the fulfilment of a long-cherished dream for Nagaland and said the centre would make Aadhaar services more accessible to the public.

He underscored the growing importance of Aadhaar in accessing education and government services, noting that children require Aadhaar for school admissions, scholarships and various entrance examinations.

He also acknowledged that despite the existence of around 150 to 160 Aadhaar enrolment centres across the state, Nagaland's enrolment rate remains below expectations.

The newly inaugurated kendra, which will remain open seven days a week, except on public holidays, is capable of processing up to 250 enrolment and update requests daily. PTI CORR NBS NBS MNB

Aadhaar enrolment and biometric updates gain push with Nagaland's first Seva Kendra to widen public access. Nagaland's first UIDAI Aadhaar Seva Kendra was inaugurated at Dimapur to improve Aadhaar enrolment and update services in the state, where enrolment remains well below the national saturation level. The centre is intended to make Aadhaar services more accessible to the public and to support wider coverage across districts where enrolment rates continue to lag.