Aadhaar not enough: Karnataka faces hurdles in rehousing evicted Kogilu Layout families

State launches multi-layered verification to identify genuine beneficiaries after demolitions in Waseem Layout and Fakir Colony, Kogilu village.

The Karnataka government is facing a significant challenge in identifying eligible beneficiaries for free alternative housing among families whose houses were demolished last month in Waseem Layout and Fakir Colony of Kogilu Layout in Yelahanka.

A preliminary survey conducted after the demolitions on December 20 has revealed that Aadhaar cards alone are proving inadequate to establish eligibility. Of the 165 families surveyed, as many as 158 were found to possess Aadhaar cards. However, officials noted that Aadhaar does not confirm length of stay, local residency, or entitlement under housing schemes.

The survey further showed that only around 78 families were confirmed as residents of Bengaluru, while about 92 families held valid ration cards. In total, 117 houses were demolished across the two colonies. Many families were found to lack key supporting documents such as voter identity cards, income certificates, domicile proof, or records linking them clearly to Bengaluru or Karnataka.

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Officials involved in the process have clarified that Aadhaar alone cannot be used as the basis for allotting government housing, as obtaining the document has become relatively easy. To ensure only genuine beneficiaries are rehabilitated, the state has initiated a multi-layered verification process.

The government has stated that only eligible evictees, and not encroachers, will be considered for rehabilitation under existing state and central housing schemes. Eligibility will be assessed using multiple documents, including ration cards, voter IDs, income certificates, and police verification.

Authorities are also cross-checking details with the food and civil supplies department by verifying ration card databases. In cases where eligibility remains unclear, police verification is being carried out to establish identity, background, and residency status.

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The preliminary survey has also collected information on language, place of origin, and duration of stay. Officials said nationality verification is the first step, followed by identifying Karnataka residents and, eventually, long-term Bengaluru residents as required under the law.

This detailed scrutiny, officials said, is essential to ensure that free housing benefits reach only genuine and eligible families affected by the demolitions.