From the maker of an I.T. colossus comes a revolution spanning the millions but identifying each and every Indian thereby refuting the adage, “What’s in the name?” for a new dimension of identity will be added to the way we perceive and the way we think. Aadhar, the ambitious project of our government will form the adhar or foundation of our new outlook.
"The role that the Authority envisions is to issue a unique identification number (UID) that can be verified and authenticated in an online, cost-effective manner, and that is robust enough to eliminate duplicate and fake identities."
Quite simple in operation but gets complex due to size and scale- about 1.2 billion people and 3000 km. The modus operandi comprises exhaustive data (like basic info and demographic data) gathering about an individual into a biometrically indexed database with the help of public schemes like NRGEA and organisations like LIC.
Aadhar will touch every sphere of our life. Be it education, be it telecom or be it any sphere where data is important and future counts on it.
A lot of administrative issues in education may be resolved. Every student will be registered in the database from the day he enters school. Tracking exact statistics like school dropouts will become efficient as well as accurate. Moreover, it will help in granting as well as repaying of education loans. It will be easier for banks to establish student identity and consequently grant loans earlier. Easier it will be track repayments which as of now stands to a whooping Rs 32,000 crore due to outstanding education loans.
Telecommunication seem likely to be affected the most. Verifying subscription will become efficient and devoid of hassles. As of now subscription verification rate is abysmally low in some stated like Jammu and Kashmir with just 35% verification. Moreover, combining UID with mobile phone may unleash a gamut of special services like financial services and mobile governance.
UID has also started creating ripples in the direction of identity of inanimate objects. An e-toll plan has been already proposed with RFID tags for vehicles to serve as UID; herein the vehicle on passing under the RFID scanner will get a deduction from its prepaid account that will be specifically made for this purpose.
Areas like Railways are also likely to stitch the UID in their fabric.
However, such a multi-dimensionary phenomenon can't be bereft of inherent risks. The concept of unique identification itself is under criticism in not just India but in other places as well. Recently, Mr. David Cameron, U.K.' PM, scrapped the national ID card scheme on the grounds that it can compromise individual privacy. A lot of hue and cry is being raised in the international milieu over the risks it poses towards individual privacy.
This not the only bothering. The universality of the card marginalizes the ones without it. Snooping and identity theft are the other possible misuses.
To ensure that the Aadhar doesn't lose its vey aadhar, the government has appointed a panel to frame a new law recognizing right to privacy as a fundamental right with ground rules for its protection and criminal liability against the offeders.
The ambitious project is about getting Information Technology in day to day affairs for accurate data and efficient work by providing a single identity for an individual. It is not a revolution in itself but a spark which will fire innovation and efficiency in multiple directions creating a revolution in the long run. However, the inherent data privacy concern can't be overlooked in the light of these benefits. Law might be enforced, but its successful implementation will depend on how seriously the issue is considered by the authorities.
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