Srinagar- Nearly seven years after Ladakh was carved out as a separate Union Territory from the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019, Aadhaar records of its residents have finally been updated to reflect a distinct identity, with the ‘Jammu and Kashmir’ label replaced by ‘Ladakh’.
The long-pending correction was implemented following the intervention of Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, officials said.
Despite the reorganisation of the erstwhile state in 2019, Aadhaar records of Ladakh residents continued to display ‘Jammu and Kashmir’ in the ‘State’ field, causing inconvenience and drawing repeated public grievances.
Taking note of the prolonged delay, the Lieutenant Governor directed the Union Territory administration to resolve the issue at the earliest. The matter was subsequently taken up with the Unique Identification Authority of India, which has now implemented the correction.
Officials said the anomaly had been creating difficulties for residents in using Aadhaar as a valid identity and address proof while accessing various services, as the ‘State’ field did not align with Ladakh’s post-reorganisation status.
“The successful resolution of this long-pending issue reflects the administration’s commitment to responsive governance and ensuring that Ladakh’s unique identity is properly represented across official platforms,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He added that ensuring accurate representation in official records was not only an administrative necessity but also a matter of identity and convenience for the people.
To address the issue efficiently, the administration, in coordination with UIDAI, devised a centralised mechanism to update records without requiring individuals to visit Aadhaar centres.
Under this system, the ‘State’ field was corrected based on PIN codes specific to Ladakh. These PIN codes were verified with the Department of Posts and shared with UIDAI, enabling bulk updation of records.
Officials said the move has brought significant relief to residents, who can now download their updated e-Aadhaar from the official UIDAI portal. Those seeking physical copies can also order PVC Aadhaar cards online for a nominal fee.
The correction is expected to ease procedural hurdles and ensure seamless access to services, while also enabling accurate representation of Ladakh in Aadhaar-linked data and official records.
