In a significant move that is expected to support efforts to reunite destitute, abandoned and mentally ill persons with their families and promote social inclusion, a special Aadhaar enrolment camp was conducted for inmates of Annam Seva Foundation in Khammam on Thursday.

For the inmates of the shelter home, the special drive marked a major step towards restoring identity, accessing welfare services and, in some cases, reconnecting with their families, a press release said.

The initiative was taken up following the intervention of the Telangana State Legal Services Authority (TSLSA).

Senior Civil Judge and District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) secretary P. Devi Manasa visited the shelter home as per directions of TSLSA member secretary Ch. Panchakshari. She reviewed the challenges faced by inmates who lacked identity documents.

Following the DLSA’s initiative, the district administration facilitated the conduct of the Aadhaar enrolment camp at the shelter home on Thursday.

Biometric details of the inmates were collected and the enrolment process was completed for eligible beneficiaries.

Annam Seva Foundation founder Annam Srinivasa Rao and others were present.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Devi Manasa said, “For many destitute and mentally ill persons, an Aadhaar card is much more than an identity document. It enables access to welfare measures, legal protection and opportunities for rehabilitation.”

She added that once Aadhaar enrolment is completed, inmates would be linked to various schemes of the NALSA, particularly those meant for homeless persons, persons with mental illness, socially excluded individuals and people living in poverty.