Marking a significant achievement, Nagaland has become the first state in the North Eastern Region (NER) to initiate Aadhaar Linked Birth Registration (ALBR). The launch ceremony took place at the Commissioner's Office in Nagaland on August 31st, 2023.

This pioneering initiative aims to streamline birth registration by integrating it with Aadhaar enrolment for children in the age group of 0 to 5 years. The launch event was presided over by T. Mhabemo Yanthan, IAS, Commissioner of Nagaland, and witnessed the presence of Neidilhou Angami, Director of Economics and Statistics.

Commissioner Yanthan highlighted the pivotal role of ALBR in registering newborns and ensuring the inclusion of children aged 0 to 5 years. He urged the cooperation of state government officials to ensure the successful implementation of ALBR across all districts of Nagaland. This initiative is anticipated to enable children's access to various social welfare schemes designed for their welfare.

To extend the reach of this service to residents across districts, the Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Nagaland, which serves as the Registrar for Birth and Death for the state, has collaborated with UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) as a Registrar cum Enrolment Agency for Child Enrolment via the ALBR process.

Director of UIDAI, Col. Abhishek Koushik, commended the Government of Nagaland for leading the North Eastern Region in implementing ALBR. He lauded the consistent efforts of the Office of the Commissioner, Nagaland, in providing Aadhaar-linked services to the state's residents.

UIDAI has been actively supporting states through workshops, door-to-door enrolments, and outreach to remote areas, assisting them in harnessing the benefits of the Aadhaar ecosystem. The UIDAI's Regional Office in Guwahati has been working closely with the Office of the Commissioner Nagaland, which serves as the Nodal Department for Aadhaar-related activities in the state.

(Siizo Kikhi IA Kohima)