In Madhya Pradesh, Khan Sahab has analyzed the situation regarding SIM cards to some extent, and I would like to add a few points to that. You see, saying outright that SIM cards are not being issued in any particular state is not completely accurate. Actually, there are two steps or options involved here. These days, very few people operate using the "print-based system" (which uses fingerprint authentication). One group that does is those who roam around promoting SIM services. You might have heard in your own village, your neighborhood, or your market that there are some individuals who go around spreading the word about "port-out" offers. They might say you can get a free SIM from VI or Jio. Some of them even charge ₹100 or ₹150. So, they do whatever method works for them. Those who still have the print-based system — which means the one where fingerprints are used — are more accessible for people who are blind. In English, we call this biometric authentication, where you place your thumb for scanning. This system is easier for those who have issues with their eyes. In the Hindi term, we sometimes refer to the cornea (called “kaniya” colloquially), which is an important part of the eye that lets us see light. Without it, the eye cannot see properly. This becomes relevant in the case of the scanner-based systems. Only when the scanner recognizes your iris can you get a SIM card. So, it's not that blind people can't get SIM cards — that's not true. The issue is that the scanning system doesn't always work for them. Nowadays, most vendors only use the scanner-based system, and very few still use the fingerprint (print-based) system. I also want to share my personal experience — I traveled across Delhi looking to get a SIM for myself. In most of the places I went, the vendors or agents only had scanner-based systems. They couldn’t give me a SIM because their scanner wouldn't read my eye correctly. But finally, I found someone who had the fingerprint system, and through that, I was able to get a SIM. So yes, fingerprint-based systems are helpful for blind individuals. But vendors using only scanner-based systems often say, “We can’t give you a SIM because your eye scan isn’t working.” And that’s their limitation — they aren’t refusing deliberately. It’s just that their system doesn’t support it. So, we shouldn't show anger or protest in such cases. Instead, we need to understand their constraints too. We're not saying they’re right or wrong, but we do wish that every blind person should be able to get a SIM — and not just a SIM, but access to all such essential services.
