22-year-old Suvarna Hilam, who recently became a mother, is among 600 women who have not received financial assistance under a centrally sponsored scheme in Thane district's Shahapur taluka. She has been told that the amount - Rs 600 under the Janani Suraksha Yojana - would be given to her if she opens a bank account and seeds it with Aadhaar number. However, at present, she is unable to open the bank account as her old Aadhaar card contains her maiden name and she would have to make a new one instead. It is a similar story for other women - who have not got their entitlements either because they don't have an Aadhaar number, or because it is not linked to their accounts.
Shraddha Ghatge
Journalist
Feature