Alleged Corruption at Aadhaar Centers in Rajampet: Consumers Face Hefty Fees for Basic Updates

Reports from Rajampet town in Annamaiya district highlight a concerning issue at local Aadhaar centers, where residents are being allegedly forced to pay exorbitant fees for minor updates on their Aadhaar cards. With growing frustration, locals describe these fees as a form of “legalized robbery,” as even the simplest changes, such as correcting a single letter in a name, are costing individuals thousands of rupees—far beyond the official fee of ₹50.

The Problem Unveiled

Due to the lack of oversight at Aadhaar centers in Rajampet, administrators reportedly have the freedom to charge arbitrary fees. The process, which should be straightforward, has become a source of significant stress, particularly for students and those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. An instance cited involved a tenth-grade student, Yuvaraj Yadav, who was asked to pay ₹5,000 for a single letter change in his family name. Another case involves Sushmita Bhuvanagiri Reddy, who was allegedly charged ₹2,800 for a similar correction.

Who Is Impacted?

Residents from various backgrounds, especially students, are experiencing the effects of these unregulated fees. Many come to the Aadhaar centers expecting a nominal charge, only to face unexpectedly high demands that they cannot afford.

Irregularities at Aadhaar Centers

A particular Aadhaar center located above HDFC Bank in Rajampet has been accused of especially severe irregularities. Additionally, there are reports that some Aadhaar center operators have informally handed over operations to third parties, leading to further misconduct. Without adequate supervision, these centers have been able to exploit individuals without accountability.

The Need for Urgent Action

These complaints underscore a pressing need for stricter oversight of Aadhaar centers to ensure that such misconduct is addressed. Authorities must verify permits, assess whether centers are managed by authorized personnel, and impose strict measures to prevent unauthorized fees. Ensuring affordable access to Aadhaar services is crucial to protect students and economically vulnerable populations from exploitation.

In response, local residents are calling on government officials and concerned departments to take decisive action. Effective regulation and regular audits could be the first step in restoring transparency and integrity to Aadhaar centers in Rajampet.