dna exclusive: US secretary takes a trip down Koli lane to understand UID process

US secretary of the treasury Jacob J Lew, who was in the city on Wednesday, paid a visit to the RBI, a Unique Identification enrolment centre in Koli village, Cuffe Parade, and later addressed the Confederation of Indian Industry and US-India Business Council Roundtable at the Taj Mahal Hotel. His visit was to focus on financial inclusion as it is a high priority for the US Department of Treasury.

A press release issued by the treasury said Lew met with several women who were at the centre to receive unique identification, sign up for a bank account, and learn how to make a deposit. The secretary also spoke with those who had previously enrolled themselves through a UID centre to find out how their access to financial services has helped them actively participate in the economy. The women told him that following their enrolment they now deposit the earnings into a bank account, save for themselves and their families, and make financial decisions for their households.

To further underline the importance of these centres in affecting inclusive growth, these women have created a micro-savings group through which the community pools its funds to provide loans for various investments.

Deputy director general of the regional office of UID Ajay Bushan Pandey took Lew through the process at the camp set up at the village. "We spoke to him about how Aadhaar card functions and how it helps in opening bank accounts and gives other benefits through the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana. We got a request from them (the treasury) to see how the project is taking shape and its benefits. We will continue the camps till everyone in the area is covered," said Pandey.

But a number of Koli women present there had a completely opposite story to tell. Koliwada resident Anusaya Tandel said Aadhaar card and financial inclusion aside, the amount of fish in the sea has reduced and their business is going bust. She said when they don't have food to eat what will they save in their banks.

"Migrants have taken up fishing in our seas and the bigger corporations come and take away all the small and big fish. These migrants take the fish to every door; as a result, people have stopped coming to the fish market. One trip of fishing costs around Rs1.5 lakh today and the fish we catch are worth Rs20,000-50,000," she rued.

Slamming the corruption and bribe culture in several department, she added, "Everywhere we go for education or jobs they ask for bribes. From where will we bring Rs2 lakh to secure a job? Our children are well educated but unemployed. Politicians come and ask for votes but nobody comes to make us aware of our rights. Even the committees formed here asks for funds on our behalf, which never reach us. We need a secure future for our children — fish first, Aadhaar card later."

And, according to some, it's not all smooth sailing even in the process of UID enrolment. A jewellery store owner in the area, Mukesh Kumar, said there were people who had applied for Aadhaar card two years ago and still haven't received it, while there are some who have two cards.