Shillong, May 7: In a strong statement addressing concerns over Meghalaya’s poor performance in Aadhaar seeding under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), Food and Civil Supplies Minister Comingone Ymbon warned that individuals spreading misinformation about the process will be held responsible if beneficiaries lose access to their entitlements after the June deadline. “As of now, only 51 percent of the people in the state have completed Aadhaar seeding for NFSA, while the Government of India wants 100 percent. Some people are trying to mislead others. The whole nation has already completed 98–99 percent KYC. Why is it only Meghalaya that’s facing problems with Aadhaar seeding?” Ymbon said, expressing his disappointment over the state’s slow progress.
Criticising those who are allegedly spreading fear and false information among the public, he added, “I don’t see any problem other than some people trying to mislead our people. Those misleading should take the responsibility if the people do not receive the ration after June.”
Ymbon also pointed out that the Centre has written to the Chief Secretary of Meghalaya, highlighting the state’s alarmingly low Aadhaar seeding rate. “As of now, only Meghalaya is the lowest in Aadhaar seeding,” he said, emphasizing the urgency of the issue.
With the deadline fast approaching, the minister made a direct appeal to the public. “I request all people to kindly cooperate with the department, the government, to do this. Then the Government of India will not cut the allocation. They have given a deadline till the month of June,” he said.
Despite multiple awareness efforts, Aadhaar enrolment and seeding remain a challenge in parts of the state. In several areas, the process has been hampered by misinformation, including religious beliefs and superstitions, which have led to fear and resistance among certain communities. The continued delay in achieving full Aadhaar seeding poses a serious threat to thousands of beneficiaries, who may be excluded from receiving subsidised food grains if the state fails to meet the national cutoff.
Ymbon’s comments come amid rising anxiety among beneficiaries, many of whom risk exclusion from the food security net if the state fails to meet the June cut-off date. The government’s push for 100 percent Aadhaar seeding is not just a bureaucratic formality; it’s a crucial step in ensuring that the most vulnerable populations in Meghalaya have access to essential food supplies.
As the clock ticks down to the June deadline, the minister's call for public cooperation is more pressing than ever. “We need to work together to ensure that no one is left behind,” he urged, highlighting the moral obligation to support those in need.
In recent months, the state government has ramped up its outreach efforts, aiming to educate the public about the importance of Aadhaar seeding under the NFSA. However, these efforts have been met with mixed results, as misinformation continues to circulate and fuel skepticism.
Many residents have expressed confusion and fear regarding the Aadhaar process, often citing religious beliefs or superstitions as reasons for their hesitance. This has created a significant barrier to achieving the desired seeding rates, with some communities resistant to participating in the enrolment process.
The minister’s remarks underscore the critical need for accurate information and community engagement to dispel the myths surrounding Aadhaar seeding. “We must combat misinformation with facts,” Ymbon stated, calling on local leaders and influencers to help spread the word.
In addition to addressing misinformation, the government has also been working on improving infrastructure and access to enrollment centers, ensuring that all residents have the opportunity to complete the seeding process. “We are committed to making this as easy as possible for everyone,” Ymbon assured.
The stakes are high. If the state fails to achieve the necessary Aadhaar seeding levels by the deadline, thousands of families could find themselves without access to subsidised food grains, exacerbating existing food insecurity issues.
As the deadline approaches, the urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. The government has made it clear that cooperation from the public is essential to ensure that no one is left without the support they need. “We’re all in this together,” Ymbon emphasized, rallying the community to come together for a common cause.
In conclusion, the situation in Meghalaya serves as a reminder of the critical role that accurate information and community engagement play in the successful implementation of government programs. With the June deadline looming, it is imperative that all stakeholders work collaboratively to ensure that the most vulnerable populations are not left behind.
