Aadhar ache for Darjeeling

VIVEK CHHETRI, TT, 26 Jun 2019, Darjeeling: The absence of a dedicated Aadhaar centre in Darjeeling town is causing problems for locals, particularly tax-payers who have to file returns by July 31 or pay a fine up to Rs 10,000.

Sachep Pradhan, an income tax lawyer said: "Many tax payers, particularly women, are finding it difficult to file their income tax because of Aadhaar-related issues. From this year, PAN card and Aadhaar have to be linked while filing returns. "In the PAN card, the name of the father of the cardholder is mentioned. In Aadhaar, mention of father's name is not mandatory so many women have mentioned their husband's name," said Pradhan.

Others say that because of the different names (father and husband) in PAN and Aadhar cards, the two are not getting linked. "The way out is to mention the father's name in the Aadhaar card and while this can easily be rectified in other places, residents are facing a harrowing time in Darjeeling," said Pradhan.

This is largely because there is no dedicated Aadhar CARD HURDLE card facilitation centre in Darjeeling. One can enrol for Aaadhar card or rectify the details either in Darjeeling postoffice or in a couple of banks in town. The post office, however, registers names for enrolment only on the first day of every month.

"You have to register the name on the first day of every month, after which a date is given to complete the process," said a post office employee. This means Darjeeling residents have to wait another month if they miss out on registering on the first day.

The situation is no different in the few banks that have Aadhaar enrolment facilities.

One of the banks said that it usually enrols 10 applicants on a first-come-first served basis. "However, our machine is not working for the past fortnight," said a bank employee. "If tax-payers fail to file their returns by July 31, they will be fined up to Rs 10,000," said Pradhan.

Deeap Priya P, who recently took charge as Darjeeling DM, said: "We are planning to set up (the centre), most probably in the municipality. I think this was a long-standing problem but we are working on it and we will be able to do it as soon as possible. We are talking to the co-ordinator and we will do it.".