Thiruvananthapuram:
At Thiruvananthapuram's Akshaya centre, four floors and two malfunctioning lifts separate scores of senior citizens from their Unique Identification Number (UID) or Aadhaar numbers every day. To reach the centre, there is just one hard option: the long flight of stairs.
The two lifts in the municipal corporation building have not been functioning since November 23. Since then, nearly 200 senior citizens have visited the centre for UID formalities.
Balakrishnan Nair, 75, says it was painful having to climb up the floors to get his UID registration two days ago. "It's very difficult for us. Alternate arrangements need to be made," he says.
Many brave the climb despite health problems. Vimala, her greying hair tied neatly, says: "I have hypertension. I got very tired taking the stairs to the fourth floor. It was very difficult."
"On an average, 35-40 senior citizens come to this centre with prior appointments," she says.
Officials say prior appointments are given so that senior citizens don't have to wait in long queues. But with none of the lifts working, it's all a waste.
Despite complaints, the lifts are yet to be repaired. The mayor was unavailable for comment.