New Delhi: The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) will be opening 114 ASKs in 53 cities and towns in the first phase. The Aadhaar-issuing authority said it would be setting up Aadhaar Seva Kendras (ASK) to improve convenience for eligible residents and to allay fears of data security.

“With Aadhaar Seva Kendras, we are building hassle-free and resident-friendly enrolment and update facility infrastructure to ensure ease in Aadhaar related services to residents,” said Ajay Bhushan Pandey, chief executive officer, UIDAI in a statement. Residents will be provided an appointment to enroll or to update their Aadhaar details to minimize waiting time, or can choose to walk in. “ASKs will also serve the special needs of those residents who need to be allowed enrolment and update through exception process. For example, if you wish to update your name or date of birth more than once, then exception facility would be available at these ASKs.”

UIDAI also said that it would bring all enrolment centers in banks, post offices and government premises under supervision by the establishment’s authority. In the first phase, at least 30,000 such stations will be put under supervision. “The number of supervised stations will further increase once the Aadhaar Seva Kendras are set up. ASKs, on the model of Passport Seva Kendras, will be run and supervised by UIDAI officials stationed full time at each Kendra.”

The move is in line with the Supreme Court judgment asking UIDAI to devise methods to ensure public confidence in Aadhaar, it added.