Most houses have two house numbers. In 1993, the Burail panchayat had allotted new house numbers in the village but many chose to display both the ‘old’ and ‘new’ addresses. “It's been several years since the new numbers were allotted but all our documents contain old addresses. Many residents have one address in their birth certificate and a separate one in their ration card,” says Yogesh, a shopkeeper.

In instances where a single house is partitioned, the separate units emerging out of the familial house share the same address. Satinder Kaur, a resident of house number 1863, which has three separate portions, says: “It becomes very difficult when we have to receive any important letters. Either the postman is unable to find the address or he drops them off at the wrong house. I remember we were quite hassled when my child did not receive his roll number

for the Punjab Board examinations.”

Villagers in Hallomajra face a similar problem as the house numbers don’t follow a pattern.

Sher Singh, a resident, says: “Several months ago, the MC had allotted new house numbers in the village. They painted the numbers on the outer walls of the houses, but those completely faded away or are faintly visible now. We were told that the Administration would erect a sign displaying the house numbers but nothing has been done so far.”

Another resident, Ajay Sharma, says, “I have been trying to get my ration card made for a long time but there is confusion regarding our address.” Some residents expressed ignorance on the issue, saying they are unaware that the houses were allotted new numbers.