Spoofing fingerprints in 10 minutes
About 15 years ago Ton van der Putte discovered that biometric fingerprint sensors could easily be fooled with dummy fingerprints. With these test he proved that the claim of the manufacturers that the sensors can detect if the finger on the sensor is alive, dead or a dummy is not true. Even today manufacturers do not have solved this problem.
In his presentation Ton will explain how easy it is to make a duplicate of a fingerprint when the owner cooperates. He also will explain that –with some more skills- it is possible to make a duplicate of latent fingerprint that is e.g. left on a glass. With simple means and today’s digitals cameras and laser printers it is possible to make duplicates with a resolution of 1200 bpi, which is about twice as good as today’s fingerprint sensors can detect.
At the end of his talk Ton will ask for a volunteer and will demonstrate that he can make a duplicate of the volunteers finger in about 10 minutes, that will be accepted by the fingerprint sensor as the real finger, so proving it is not just big talk.
Together with a colleague Ton wrote the first paper on the subject in the year 2000 and presented it on the CARDIS conference in Bristol UK. The paper can be found at: www.keuning.com/biometrics
Monday, May 31, 2010
Sunday, May 30, 2010
172 - Singapore UIN Algorithm
Singapore UIN Algorithm
The following is a guess of the UIN/FIN Algorithm using in our local Identity Card (affectionally abbreviated as IC) - it gives you a basic ideal how it works.
The authorised version can be purchase directly from the Gov.Sg - url //web1.internet.gov.sg/mha/ica/nrd/uin2.htm. It will cost you S$400 (Singapore Dollars) upon their approval.
The Singapore NRIC number consists of SEVEN (7) digits and a letter appended behind. This letter is calculated from the first SEVEN (7) digits using the MODULUS ELEVEN (11) method. This system is the most commonly used since it provides a high degree of security.
The steps involved in the computation are as follows:
Multiply each digit in the NRIC number by its weight.
Add together the above products.
Divide the resulting sum by ELEVEN (11).
Subtract the remainder from ELEVEN (11) to give the check digit.
In Singapore, the weight for the NRIC number is shown in the following table:
2 7 6 5 4 3 2
Workings:
Digit = [ (d1 d2 d3 d4 d5 6 d7) . (2 7 6 5 4 3 2)] mod 11
= (2d1 + 7d2 + 6d3 + 5d4 + 4d5 + 3d6 + 2d7) mod 11
The conversion (look-up) table to convert the check digit into the corresponding alphabet is shown below:
Digit 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
Alphabet A B C D E F G H I Z J
---
UIN/FIN Algorithm
The first digit is the century prefix. S for 19th century and T for 20th century.
Century Prefix for the UIN and FIN in the 21st century
Come 21st century, the prefix of the Unique Identification Number (UIN) and the Foreigner Identification Number (FIN) will be changed from "S" to "T" and "F" to "G" respectively.
The last letter in the UIN/FIN is a check digit; serving as a means to ensure that the 7 numerals are not entered into a computer system in the wrong order. An algorithm is used to derive the check digit from the century prefix and the 7 numerals in the UIN or FIN. The algorithms and sample computer programs can now be obtained by filling up the electronic request form provided.
ICA would be glad to provide further clarifications on the use of the century prefix for UIN and its algorithm if needed.
What is UIN and FIN?
A Unique Identification Number (UIN) is a unique identification number that is assigned to all Singapore citizens and permanent residents and children born in Singapore. A Foreign Identification Number (FIN) is a unique identification number assigned to foreigners who are issued with immigration and work passes in Singapore eg. student's pass holders.
Why prefix "S" and "T" for UIN?
The current prefix for UIN is "T". It is the 20th letter in the alphabet which denotes UIN issued in this century (i.e. 2000 - 2099), while "S" is used for the last century.
What constitutes a complete UIN/FIN?
The format of a UIN and FIN is:
P - is the century prefix
NNNNNNN - seven numerals
C - a letter in the alphabet serving as a check digit
What happen if we provide a UIN or FIN without the century prefix?
The century prefix is important as it makes the UIN or FIN unique. For example, the first child registered in the year of 2000 will bear a UIN "T0000001/E which differs from the first number "S0000001/I" first issued in the year 1966.
The following is a guess of the UIN/FIN Algorithm using in our local Identity Card (affectionally abbreviated as IC) - it gives you a basic ideal how it works.
The authorised version can be purchase directly from the Gov.Sg - url //web1.internet.gov.sg/mha/ica/nrd/uin2.htm. It will cost you S$400 (Singapore Dollars) upon their approval.
The Singapore NRIC number consists of SEVEN (7) digits and a letter appended behind. This letter is calculated from the first SEVEN (7) digits using the MODULUS ELEVEN (11) method. This system is the most commonly used since it provides a high degree of security.
The steps involved in the computation are as follows:
Multiply each digit in the NRIC number by its weight.
Add together the above products.
Divide the resulting sum by ELEVEN (11).
Subtract the remainder from ELEVEN (11) to give the check digit.
In Singapore, the weight for the NRIC number is shown in the following table:
2 7 6 5 4 3 2
Workings:
Digit = [ (d1 d2 d3 d4 d5 6 d7) . (2 7 6 5 4 3 2)] mod 11
= (2d1 + 7d2 + 6d3 + 5d4 + 4d5 + 3d6 + 2d7) mod 11
The conversion (look-up) table to convert the check digit into the corresponding alphabet is shown below:
Digit 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
Alphabet A B C D E F G H I Z J
---
UIN/FIN Algorithm
The first digit is the century prefix. S for 19th century and T for 20th century.
Century Prefix for the UIN and FIN in the 21st century
Come 21st century, the prefix of the Unique Identification Number (UIN) and the Foreigner Identification Number (FIN) will be changed from "S" to "T" and "F" to "G" respectively.
The last letter in the UIN/FIN is a check digit; serving as a means to ensure that the 7 numerals are not entered into a computer system in the wrong order. An algorithm is used to derive the check digit from the century prefix and the 7 numerals in the UIN or FIN. The algorithms and sample computer programs can now be obtained by filling up the electronic request form provided.
ICA would be glad to provide further clarifications on the use of the century prefix for UIN and its algorithm if needed.
What is UIN and FIN?
A Unique Identification Number (UIN) is a unique identification number that is assigned to all Singapore citizens and permanent residents and children born in Singapore. A Foreign Identification Number (FIN) is a unique identification number assigned to foreigners who are issued with immigration and work passes in Singapore eg. student's pass holders.
Why prefix "S" and "T" for UIN?
The current prefix for UIN is "T". It is the 20th letter in the alphabet which denotes UIN issued in this century (i.e. 2000 - 2099), while "S" is used for the last century.
What constitutes a complete UIN/FIN?
The format of a UIN and FIN is:
P - is the century prefix
NNNNNNN - seven numerals
C - a letter in the alphabet serving as a check digit
What happen if we provide a UIN or FIN without the century prefix?
The century prefix is important as it makes the UIN or FIN unique. For example, the first child registered in the year of 2000 will bear a UIN "T0000001/E which differs from the first number "S0000001/I" first issued in the year 1966.
171 - NRIC Registration for Singapore citizens
NRIC Registration for Singapore citizens and permanent residents born in the year 1985
16-Dec-1999 filed under Case Detected at Checkpoints
Under the National Registration Regulations, Singapore Citizens (SCs) and Permanent Residents (PRs) who were born in 1985 are required to register for their NRICs within one year of attaining the age of 15 years in the year 2000. Those who are living outside Singapore are required to register within one year of their return to Singapore.
2. The registration, staggered by birth dates, will involve an estimated 48,000 SCs and PRs born in 1985. Since January 1997, registration for NRIC has been stopped for the twelve-year-olds.
Register After Receiving Notification Letters
3. SIR will be sending notification letters with appointment dates to the registrants through their parents, two weeks before their 15th birthday. All registrants should register within 2 weeks of their 15th birthday. They should go on the appointment dates to avoid crowding on Saturdays and school holidays.
4. The registration will be done at the Citizen Services Centre at SIR Building, 10 Kallang Road, from 8.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. on Mondays to Fridays. One recent colour passport-size photograph (35 mm x 45 mm) taken against a white background with a matt or semi-matt finish is required.
5. Registration fees for SCs and PRs will be $10/- and $50/- respectively.
Collection of NRICs
6. Registrants who are in government or government-aided schools will have their NRICs sent to them through their respective schools.
7. Registrants who are not schooling may collect their NRICs from SIR seven working days after registration. Their parents may also collect the NRICs. The parent who is collecting the NRIC should produce his/her NRIC, the child's birth certificate, and the collection slip. Collection hours are from 8.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. on Mondays to Fridays.
Penalty & Failure to Register for NRIC
8. Under the National Registration Act (Cap 201), any person who fails to register for NRIC within a year of attaining the age of 15 years shall be guilty of an offence. The penalty is imprisonment up to 5 years, or a fine up to $5,000, or both.
Enquiries
9. Please call the SIR at Tel: 3916100 during office hours for enquiries.
END OF NEWS RELEASE
Singapore Immigration & Registration
16 December 1999
16-Dec-1999 filed under Case Detected at Checkpoints
Under the National Registration Regulations, Singapore Citizens (SCs) and Permanent Residents (PRs) who were born in 1985 are required to register for their NRICs within one year of attaining the age of 15 years in the year 2000. Those who are living outside Singapore are required to register within one year of their return to Singapore.
2. The registration, staggered by birth dates, will involve an estimated 48,000 SCs and PRs born in 1985. Since January 1997, registration for NRIC has been stopped for the twelve-year-olds.
Register After Receiving Notification Letters
3. SIR will be sending notification letters with appointment dates to the registrants through their parents, two weeks before their 15th birthday. All registrants should register within 2 weeks of their 15th birthday. They should go on the appointment dates to avoid crowding on Saturdays and school holidays.
4. The registration will be done at the Citizen Services Centre at SIR Building, 10 Kallang Road, from 8.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. on Mondays to Fridays. One recent colour passport-size photograph (35 mm x 45 mm) taken against a white background with a matt or semi-matt finish is required.
5. Registration fees for SCs and PRs will be $10/- and $50/- respectively.
Collection of NRICs
6. Registrants who are in government or government-aided schools will have their NRICs sent to them through their respective schools.
7. Registrants who are not schooling may collect their NRICs from SIR seven working days after registration. Their parents may also collect the NRICs. The parent who is collecting the NRIC should produce his/her NRIC, the child's birth certificate, and the collection slip. Collection hours are from 8.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. on Mondays to Fridays.
Penalty & Failure to Register for NRIC
8. Under the National Registration Act (Cap 201), any person who fails to register for NRIC within a year of attaining the age of 15 years shall be guilty of an offence. The penalty is imprisonment up to 5 years, or a fine up to $5,000, or both.
Enquiries
9. Please call the SIR at Tel: 3916100 during office hours for enquiries.
END OF NEWS RELEASE
Singapore Immigration & Registration
16 December 1999
170 - Singapore's National Registration Identity Card
Singapore's National Registration Identity Card
The National Registration Identity Card (abbreviation: NRIC, or colloquially IC; is the identity document in use in Singapore. It is compulsory for all Singaporean citizens and permanent residents who are fifteen years of age and older to have their NRICs.
It is not compulsory for bearers to hold the card at all times, nor are they compelled by law to show their cards to police officers conducting regular screening while on patrol, for instance. Failure to show any form of identification, however, may allow the police to detain suspicious individuals until relevant identification could be produced subsequently either in person or by proxy.
The NRIC is also a required document for some government procedures, commercial transactions such as the opening of a bank account, or to gain entry to premises by surrendering or exchanging for an entry pass. Failure to produce the card may result in denied access to these premises or attainment of goods and services.
The National Registration Act of 1965 (last amendment in 2001) legislates the issuance and usage of NRICs. Section 7 indicates that all registered persons of the national registry are to be issued with the identity card.
Type and design
The NRIC comes in two main colour schemes, namely pink for citizens and blue for permanent residents (PR). Each card is identified by an NRIC number ("Identity Card Number"), which is a unique set of nine alpha-numerics given to each citizen or PR at birth registration or successful attainment of permanent residence status. These numbers are similar to that on birth certificates for citizens, and are automatically transferred to the NRIC at age 15 and above.
Also indicated on the front side of the card, are the holder's name, race, date of birth, sex, country of birth, and a colour photograph. On the back of the card is the NRIC number and its bar code, a fingerprint, issue date of the card, and the holder's current residential address. The nationality of permanent residents is indicated on the card as well; this field is absent for citizens. Any change to the information on the card has to be reported to the authorities, or it could be considered an invalid identification card.
Until 29 September 2002, the NRIC indicated its holder's blood group. This information was subsequently removed due to the widespread availability of quick blood group tests that are conducted during medical emergencies. The blood group field still exists on the card, but is left blank.
Since 2008, Singapore started issuing a card, termed a "Visit Pass", similar in design with the NRIC to long-term pass holders (such as foreigners studying or working in Singapore), replacing the formerly issued laminated green cards. The Visit Pass is green in colour, uses the term "Foreign Identification Number" (FIN) instead of the NRIC number, as well as showing the nationality of the pass holder. The card includes a date of expiry, conditional on the card holder holding a valid passport. [2]
Privacy issues
For long, the NRIC number has used by both government and commercial organizations as an unambiguous and "tidy" identifier for Singaporeans. Full NRIC numbers have been listed to identify winners of lucky draws. It was possible to borrow books from the National Library Board simply by scanning the NRIC number, in the form of a barcode at self-service kiosks, without further authentication. This has led to complaints of the possibility of fraud and identity theft. Therefore, now when NRIC numbers are publicly displayed, only the last three digits and the letters are displayed. (The first three digits are not displayed as they easily give away a person's age.) [6]
The National Registration Identity Card (abbreviation: NRIC, or colloquially IC; is the identity document in use in Singapore. It is compulsory for all Singaporean citizens and permanent residents who are fifteen years of age and older to have their NRICs.
It is not compulsory for bearers to hold the card at all times, nor are they compelled by law to show their cards to police officers conducting regular screening while on patrol, for instance. Failure to show any form of identification, however, may allow the police to detain suspicious individuals until relevant identification could be produced subsequently either in person or by proxy.
The NRIC is also a required document for some government procedures, commercial transactions such as the opening of a bank account, or to gain entry to premises by surrendering or exchanging for an entry pass. Failure to produce the card may result in denied access to these premises or attainment of goods and services.
The National Registration Act of 1965 (last amendment in 2001) legislates the issuance and usage of NRICs. Section 7 indicates that all registered persons of the national registry are to be issued with the identity card.
Type and design
The NRIC comes in two main colour schemes, namely pink for citizens and blue for permanent residents (PR). Each card is identified by an NRIC number ("Identity Card Number"), which is a unique set of nine alpha-numerics given to each citizen or PR at birth registration or successful attainment of permanent residence status. These numbers are similar to that on birth certificates for citizens, and are automatically transferred to the NRIC at age 15 and above.
Also indicated on the front side of the card, are the holder's name, race, date of birth, sex, country of birth, and a colour photograph. On the back of the card is the NRIC number and its bar code, a fingerprint, issue date of the card, and the holder's current residential address. The nationality of permanent residents is indicated on the card as well; this field is absent for citizens. Any change to the information on the card has to be reported to the authorities, or it could be considered an invalid identification card.
Until 29 September 2002, the NRIC indicated its holder's blood group. This information was subsequently removed due to the widespread availability of quick blood group tests that are conducted during medical emergencies. The blood group field still exists on the card, but is left blank.
Since 2008, Singapore started issuing a card, termed a "Visit Pass", similar in design with the NRIC to long-term pass holders (such as foreigners studying or working in Singapore), replacing the formerly issued laminated green cards. The Visit Pass is green in colour, uses the term "Foreign Identification Number" (FIN) instead of the NRIC number, as well as showing the nationality of the pass holder. The card includes a date of expiry, conditional on the card holder holding a valid passport. [2]
Privacy issues
For long, the NRIC number has used by both government and commercial organizations as an unambiguous and "tidy" identifier for Singaporeans. Full NRIC numbers have been listed to identify winners of lucky draws. It was possible to borrow books from the National Library Board simply by scanning the NRIC number, in the form of a barcode at self-service kiosks, without further authentication. This has led to complaints of the possibility of fraud and identity theft. Therefore, now when NRIC numbers are publicly displayed, only the last three digits and the letters are displayed. (The first three digits are not displayed as they easily give away a person's age.) [6]
169 - UID and Census data collected simultaneously in 2 forms -Will they be linked ?
UID and Census data collected simultaneously in 2 forms. Will they be linked ?
Today the a woman from the census and UID departments came to collect data for both with two large computerized data forms-not sure if they will be linked.
UID form asks for name of "head" of household (which I told the muslim woman who came with her son to collect the information that there was no head as we were equal. She said that makes it difficult for her as UID form also requires the relationship of all members in the household connected to the "head" person, who are married to who, who are the children, parents, domestic workers, etc
She said that since I would not give a single person as "head", she can't write the "relationship" of the other people
I said it was none of the business of the UID people what the relationship of people living in the household is,
but I gave her the live in young woman's information as I didn't want to jeopardize things for her later if UID card really gives her benefits.
Besides collecting info on how many people in the house, names, their gender (choice of male and female only I think -didn't check if there was a third gender), relationship to "head" of household,
UID form also requires
date of birth (which I gave)
qualifications (which I refused as it was none of their business)
married or not married (none of their business)
occupation (none of their business)
parents name (again none of their business)
spouses name (again none of their business)
Place of birth (none of their business)
postal address (not sure if she noted that although I told her I would give it)
since how long we have been living there (none of their business)
Not sure if Census form data will be linked ??? to UID person-It collects the following
How many people residing in dwelling (gave)
Caste (refused to give this information)
No of married couples (refused to give information)
type of drinking water facility -borewell, BWWSB cauvery water, well (gave info)
electricity, solar heater, etc (gave info)
govt sewage or not (gave info)
Cooking facility (gas/electricity/gober gas/firewood/.-not sure if she had solar cooker option-she didn't mention (gave info)
I also refused to give info on the following
no of rooms in the dwelling (told her that was private data)
no of bicycles
no of motorcycles
no of 4 wheelers
internet connection
Bank ac or not
house given for PG or rent or office use
no of Radios
no of tape recorders
nos of TV
Will the government come after me now for telling the woman I oppose the UID? :-)
She says no one has opposed it so far and everyone has given the information she has asked for and that she feels UID is a good thing.
Today the a woman from the census and UID departments came to collect data for both with two large computerized data forms-not sure if they will be linked.
UID form asks for name of "head" of household (which I told the muslim woman who came with her son to collect the information that there was no head as we were equal. She said that makes it difficult for her as UID form also requires the relationship of all members in the household connected to the "head" person, who are married to who, who are the children, parents, domestic workers, etc
She said that since I would not give a single person as "head", she can't write the "relationship" of the other people
I said it was none of the business of the UID people what the relationship of people living in the household is,
but I gave her the live in young woman's information as I didn't want to jeopardize things for her later if UID card really gives her benefits.
Besides collecting info on how many people in the house, names, their gender (choice of male and female only I think -didn't check if there was a third gender), relationship to "head" of household,
UID form also requires
date of birth (which I gave)
qualifications (which I refused as it was none of their business)
married or not married (none of their business)
occupation (none of their business)
parents name (again none of their business)
spouses name (again none of their business)
Place of birth (none of their business)
postal address (not sure if she noted that although I told her I would give it)
since how long we have been living there (none of their business)
Not sure if Census form data will be linked ??? to UID person-It collects the following
How many people residing in dwelling (gave)
Caste (refused to give this information)
No of married couples (refused to give information)
type of drinking water facility -borewell, BWWSB cauvery water, well (gave info)
electricity, solar heater, etc (gave info)
govt sewage or not (gave info)
Cooking facility (gas/electricity/gober gas/firewood/.-not sure if she had solar cooker option-she didn't mention (gave info)
I also refused to give info on the following
no of rooms in the dwelling (told her that was private data)
no of bicycles
no of motorcycles
no of 4 wheelers
internet connection
Bank ac or not
house given for PG or rent or office use
no of Radios
no of tape recorders
nos of TV
Will the government come after me now for telling the woman I oppose the UID? :-)
She says no one has opposed it so far and everyone has given the information she has asked for and that she feels UID is a good thing.
167 - PAN card will have Aadhaar number 27th April 2010
PAN card will have Aadhaar number
New Delhi, April 27, DHNS:
Soon your PAN card may also have your unique 16-digit Aadhaar number. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), which is in the task of giving unique number to every citizen of the country, is working with the Income Tax department to print the Aadhaar number in the PAN card.
UIDAI Chairman Nandan Nilekani held several rounds of talks with the Income Tax officials to rollout PAN card with unique digit number. “The IT department has in principle agreed for UID-based PAN cards”, Nilekani said, adding that “details are still being worked out”.
With this development, the Income Tax department, which had earlier planned to issue bio-metric PAN card, has put on hold its plan to avoid duplication.
As the Aadhaar, earlier known as Unique Identification Number, will be issued after collection of prints of all ten fingers, iris and face, the government doesn’t want the duplication by doing the same at the IT department, sources in the government said.
New Delhi, April 27, DHNS:
Soon your PAN card may also have your unique 16-digit Aadhaar number. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), which is in the task of giving unique number to every citizen of the country, is working with the Income Tax department to print the Aadhaar number in the PAN card.
UIDAI Chairman Nandan Nilekani held several rounds of talks with the Income Tax officials to rollout PAN card with unique digit number. “The IT department has in principle agreed for UID-based PAN cards”, Nilekani said, adding that “details are still being worked out”.
With this development, the Income Tax department, which had earlier planned to issue bio-metric PAN card, has put on hold its plan to avoid duplication.
As the Aadhaar, earlier known as Unique Identification Number, will be issued after collection of prints of all ten fingers, iris and face, the government doesn’t want the duplication by doing the same at the IT department, sources in the government said.
166 - UID Legislative Safe Guards by Ruchi Gupta
UID – Legislative Safeguards
Ruchi Gupta (gupta.ruchi@gmail.com)
Legislative Safeguards
UID as the underlying infrastructure will directly enable five types of databases; however, UIDAI will own and takes responsibility for only the primary database with a laissez-faire attitude for the rest. However, given that UID is the enabling tool, the legislative framework must establish UIDAI’s responsibility to constrain certain types of uses, and liability for all end-use. The five database types are as under
1. Basic UID database with identity information
2. State databases (NPR, government schemes, tax, police etc)
3. Credit information companies (CIC) databases, which will hold credit information based
on bank, insurance, telecom etc history
4. NATGRID (21 interlinked dbs) for security and intelligence agencies (exempt from RTI
excepting human rights allegations)
5. Private databases by corporations etc
Costs
1. Individuals with the following characteristics (as substantiated by a self-attested copy)
will not be required to pay for UID enrollment: BPL/AAY; NREGA Card; others.
Privacy/Civil Liberties
1. Registrars will not collect information other than that strictly necessary for providing
service. Information fields must be detailed and approved by UIDAI prior to collection.
2. There will be no legal/financial penalty for non-enrollment now or in future
3. Private organizations with the exception of registrars (enrolling agencies) will not link
benefits to disclosure of UID number e.g. shopping loyalty cards (to limit data
convergence)
4. Every individual with a UID # can ask for a certified copy of all information collected and
stored about him/her once a year free of charge, and unlimited times on payment of
certain fee (Rs. 10 per page as per RTI). There will be a legal provision for financial and
custodial penalty if knowingly inaccurate/incomplete report is provided to the user. (CIC,
NATGRID)
5. There must be inherent assurance that non-possession of identity card will not be
considered an offence, or grounds for detention (State, since ID card will be issued
through the NPR exercise)
6. The front-end of all organizations whose databases will be linked to NATGRID/CIC will
have to inform users before each transaction (or initial registration) that activity will be
reported and tracked (NATGRID, CIC)
Implementation
UID – Legislative Safeguards
Ruchi Gupta (gupta.ruchi@gmail.com)
1. Utilities or state services will not be withheld due to beneficiary’s non-enrolment of UID.
Service will be provided in the interim on production of alternate proof of identification;
implementing agency will initiate process for beneficiary’s UID enrollment.
2. If UID match is not made at the point of sale/delivery, essential services will be provided
on production of alternate proof of identification. UID data will be fixed within X days
(Related question below)
3. In case a registrar is de-registered due to non-compliance of enrollment
processes/standards, affected users will not be denied services while their identity is being
re-verified (or other quality assurance processes initiated)
4. No enrollment agency can force user to continue association against will as condition for
registration (real estate developers organization will be used to enroll migrant workers,
whose identity credentials cannot be verified/guaranteed by the employer. So potentially
UIDAI/employer may have some kind of forced affiliation?)
5. UID will not be used to turn off essential services for any reason other than direct
ineligibility for service e.g., coerce relocation (State)
6. Records of transactions including liabilities in one utility in one aspect will not be used to
deny services of some other utility (State)
Accountability
1. UIDAI will be responsible for all (user or organizational) losses arising out of
false/inaccurate information on UID number
2. Sale or transfer of data to any for-profit/private organization (marketers, corporations,
MNCs) will be illegal, and will lead to closure of such organizations and immediate
termination of employment of involved employees.
3. Any unauthorized collection of data or its misuse will be treated as a human rights
violation and therefore under the ambit of RTI Act (Sec 24) (NATGRID, CIC)
4. If data security is breached (e.g., Indian defense computers were hacked into), UIDAI will
be liable for both breach of information, and subsequent misuse (Potentially irrelevant
because even if the primary UID database is not in the public domain, tack-on databases
will be and it will be impossible to track data breach to any one database)
Ruchi Gupta (gupta.ruchi@gmail.com)
Legislative Safeguards
UID as the underlying infrastructure will directly enable five types of databases; however, UIDAI will own and takes responsibility for only the primary database with a laissez-faire attitude for the rest. However, given that UID is the enabling tool, the legislative framework must establish UIDAI’s responsibility to constrain certain types of uses, and liability for all end-use. The five database types are as under
1. Basic UID database with identity information
2. State databases (NPR, government schemes, tax, police etc)
3. Credit information companies (CIC) databases, which will hold credit information based
on bank, insurance, telecom etc history
4. NATGRID (21 interlinked dbs) for security and intelligence agencies (exempt from RTI
excepting human rights allegations)
5. Private databases by corporations etc
Costs
1. Individuals with the following characteristics (as substantiated by a self-attested copy)
will not be required to pay for UID enrollment: BPL/AAY; NREGA Card; others.
Privacy/Civil Liberties
1. Registrars will not collect information other than that strictly necessary for providing
service. Information fields must be detailed and approved by UIDAI prior to collection.
2. There will be no legal/financial penalty for non-enrollment now or in future
3. Private organizations with the exception of registrars (enrolling agencies) will not link
benefits to disclosure of UID number e.g. shopping loyalty cards (to limit data
convergence)
4. Every individual with a UID # can ask for a certified copy of all information collected and
stored about him/her once a year free of charge, and unlimited times on payment of
certain fee (Rs. 10 per page as per RTI). There will be a legal provision for financial and
custodial penalty if knowingly inaccurate/incomplete report is provided to the user. (CIC,
NATGRID)
5. There must be inherent assurance that non-possession of identity card will not be
considered an offence, or grounds for detention (State, since ID card will be issued
through the NPR exercise)
6. The front-end of all organizations whose databases will be linked to NATGRID/CIC will
have to inform users before each transaction (or initial registration) that activity will be
reported and tracked (NATGRID, CIC)
Implementation
UID – Legislative Safeguards
Ruchi Gupta (gupta.ruchi@gmail.com)
1. Utilities or state services will not be withheld due to beneficiary’s non-enrolment of UID.
Service will be provided in the interim on production of alternate proof of identification;
implementing agency will initiate process for beneficiary’s UID enrollment.
2. If UID match is not made at the point of sale/delivery, essential services will be provided
on production of alternate proof of identification. UID data will be fixed within X days
(Related question below)
3. In case a registrar is de-registered due to non-compliance of enrollment
processes/standards, affected users will not be denied services while their identity is being
re-verified (or other quality assurance processes initiated)
4. No enrollment agency can force user to continue association against will as condition for
registration (real estate developers organization will be used to enroll migrant workers,
whose identity credentials cannot be verified/guaranteed by the employer. So potentially
UIDAI/employer may have some kind of forced affiliation?)
5. UID will not be used to turn off essential services for any reason other than direct
ineligibility for service e.g., coerce relocation (State)
6. Records of transactions including liabilities in one utility in one aspect will not be used to
deny services of some other utility (State)
Accountability
1. UIDAI will be responsible for all (user or organizational) losses arising out of
false/inaccurate information on UID number
2. Sale or transfer of data to any for-profit/private organization (marketers, corporations,
MNCs) will be illegal, and will lead to closure of such organizations and immediate
termination of employment of involved employees.
3. Any unauthorized collection of data or its misuse will be treated as a human rights
violation and therefore under the ambit of RTI Act (Sec 24) (NATGRID, CIC)
4. If data security is breached (e.g., Indian defense computers were hacked into), UIDAI will
be liable for both breach of information, and subsequent misuse (Potentially irrelevant
because even if the primary UID database is not in the public domain, tack-on databases
will be and it will be impossible to track data breach to any one database)
Saturday, May 29, 2010
165 - 20 million to be made legal citizens - Prof R. Vaidyanathan IIMB
In India 20 million to be made legal citizens
Prof.R. Vaidyanathan IIMB wrote:
On Fri, 5/28/10,
Arizona in the USA is in turmoil due to a piece of legislation passed in the state about illegal immigrants mainly from Mexico and other Latin countries. It says that the cops can ask for papers if they suspect a person to be illegal and also the employers need to check the legal status. The bleeding heart liberals and other assorted types of leftists are up in arms. But the mainstream America wants to go ahead and curb illegal immigration.
But India is different. It carries the 'Athithi Devo Bhava' to the extreme in terms of providing perfume to Kasab.
The facts first. Census is a statutory exercise conducted under the provisions of the census Act, 1948 and rules made thereunder. The National Population Register (NPR) is being created under the provision of citizenship Acts and rules. It has been claimed by the Government (home minister in Parliament) that the present census collects information for the later preparation of National Population Register (NPR). To be precise, there is only a Population register under Citizenship rules (2003) and it also mentions about a National Register of Indian Citizens (NRIC). The difference is obvious and unfortunately mixed up by the government. The census information by definition is confidential in terms of specifics and so there is no way the information collected can be used to verify nationality later.
The citizenship rules direct that 'during the verification process "particulars of such individuals whose citizenship is doubtful shall be entered with appropriate remarks in the population register." The current census enumerator is to fill the query number 11 about nationality by asking the person enumerated. It specifically mentions that "Please record the nationality of the respondent as declared by him/her for each of the person enumerated. Do not get into any argument with the respondent regarding this." [Para 5.21.1 of General Instructions]. This is the Weapon of Mass Destruction (WMD) smuggled into the census structure to facilitate crores of illegal immigrants to be converted into a votebank through citizenship. When the citizenship rules ask for doubtful cases of citizenship to be identified and recorded, the census manual to collect information under the very citizenship rules says "do not doubt the respondent; just record what he says". Incidentally, anyone who has entered India six months prior to census (Kasab is eligible under this category!) and if anyone intends to stay for six months after becomes "usual resident" under the census rules, and they can declare them as Indian citizens. Not only that, the government is planning to issue "National Identity cards" to these people though the cards are meant only for Indian citizens.
In a nutshell, India is going to make more than 20 million (estimated by previous home ministers) illegal immigrants (mostly from Bangladesh) as Indian citizens within a few months. By this subterfuge India will be the only country in the world which not only welcomes illegal immigrants but also confers citizenship and national identity cards to them.
We have seen how the Election Commission has been made ineffective and subservient to the government of the day. We have seen how CBI has been misused to fulfill the whims and fancies of the government of the day.
We have seen how the political parties are eager to get votes under any circumstances and more eager to create vote banks.
We are now seeing the most important authority of our republic, namely, the census commission used for political purposes to confer citizenship on illegal immigrants in a most blatant show of misuse of power.
We have the case of Subba from Assam who became a member of parliament when he is not a citizen of India. We have porous borders and corrupt officials. These two constitute a deadly combination for disaster. But our government by a sleight of hand has decided to subvert the last remaining independent authority, namely, the Census Commission by combining the socalled National Population Register and census count, and by introducing this dangerous clause on citizenship in an innocuous way.
The end result will be millions of illegal immigrants will become citizens of this country and millions more will be interested and encouraged to enter India. Already a section of intelligentsia in Bangladesh believes that India is "Lebensraum" _ adequate room for life or development.
Already we find that large parts of West Bengal, Assam and Bihar and parts of UP are populated by illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. The correct procedure would be to identify them and deport them at best and at worst give them work permits or guest worker status, and not voting rights or citizenship rights.
But we are going to do something lower than the worst. Provide them citizenship rights. It is high time that nationalist oriented Indians protested this and forced the government to cancel the citizenship tamasha and conduct only a census for now.
Since this will confer voting rights on millions and a huge constituency for some political parties; they will welcome it. But they should realise that the Frankenstein monster we are creating will devour them sooner than later. Sooner than later there will be a clamour for reservation in parliament to "atithi or guest citizens".
A cabinet with Kasab, Headley and Sivarasan will be the most tragic part of the Indian republic.
But our media will still be debating whether sari clad Deepika Padukone was more charming than the Aishwarya dressed in gown in Cannes, and our political leaders will continue to look for avenues to make money by corruption and try to find tax havens to store them.
_______________________________________ Prof.R.Vaidyanathan,IIMB
Prof.R. Vaidyanathan IIMB wrote:
On Fri, 5/28/10,
Arizona in the USA is in turmoil due to a piece of legislation passed in the state about illegal immigrants mainly from Mexico and other Latin countries. It says that the cops can ask for papers if they suspect a person to be illegal and also the employers need to check the legal status. The bleeding heart liberals and other assorted types of leftists are up in arms. But the mainstream America wants to go ahead and curb illegal immigration.
But India is different. It carries the 'Athithi Devo Bhava' to the extreme in terms of providing perfume to Kasab.
The facts first. Census is a statutory exercise conducted under the provisions of the census Act, 1948 and rules made thereunder. The National Population Register (NPR) is being created under the provision of citizenship Acts and rules. It has been claimed by the Government (home minister in Parliament) that the present census collects information for the later preparation of National Population Register (NPR). To be precise, there is only a Population register under Citizenship rules (2003) and it also mentions about a National Register of Indian Citizens (NRIC). The difference is obvious and unfortunately mixed up by the government. The census information by definition is confidential in terms of specifics and so there is no way the information collected can be used to verify nationality later.
The citizenship rules direct that 'during the verification process "particulars of such individuals whose citizenship is doubtful shall be entered with appropriate remarks in the population register." The current census enumerator is to fill the query number 11 about nationality by asking the person enumerated. It specifically mentions that "Please record the nationality of the respondent as declared by him/her for each of the person enumerated. Do not get into any argument with the respondent regarding this." [Para 5.21.1 of General Instructions]. This is the Weapon of Mass Destruction (WMD) smuggled into the census structure to facilitate crores of illegal immigrants to be converted into a votebank through citizenship. When the citizenship rules ask for doubtful cases of citizenship to be identified and recorded, the census manual to collect information under the very citizenship rules says "do not doubt the respondent; just record what he says". Incidentally, anyone who has entered India six months prior to census (Kasab is eligible under this category!) and if anyone intends to stay for six months after becomes "usual resident" under the census rules, and they can declare them as Indian citizens. Not only that, the government is planning to issue "National Identity cards" to these people though the cards are meant only for Indian citizens.
In a nutshell, India is going to make more than 20 million (estimated by previous home ministers) illegal immigrants (mostly from Bangladesh) as Indian citizens within a few months. By this subterfuge India will be the only country in the world which not only welcomes illegal immigrants but also confers citizenship and national identity cards to them.
We have seen how the Election Commission has been made ineffective and subservient to the government of the day. We have seen how CBI has been misused to fulfill the whims and fancies of the government of the day.
We have seen how the political parties are eager to get votes under any circumstances and more eager to create vote banks.
We are now seeing the most important authority of our republic, namely, the census commission used for political purposes to confer citizenship on illegal immigrants in a most blatant show of misuse of power.
We have the case of Subba from Assam who became a member of parliament when he is not a citizen of India. We have porous borders and corrupt officials. These two constitute a deadly combination for disaster. But our government by a sleight of hand has decided to subvert the last remaining independent authority, namely, the Census Commission by combining the socalled National Population Register and census count, and by introducing this dangerous clause on citizenship in an innocuous way.
The end result will be millions of illegal immigrants will become citizens of this country and millions more will be interested and encouraged to enter India. Already a section of intelligentsia in Bangladesh believes that India is "Lebensraum" _ adequate room for life or development.
Already we find that large parts of West Bengal, Assam and Bihar and parts of UP are populated by illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. The correct procedure would be to identify them and deport them at best and at worst give them work permits or guest worker status, and not voting rights or citizenship rights.
But we are going to do something lower than the worst. Provide them citizenship rights. It is high time that nationalist oriented Indians protested this and forced the government to cancel the citizenship tamasha and conduct only a census for now.
Since this will confer voting rights on millions and a huge constituency for some political parties; they will welcome it. But they should realise that the Frankenstein monster we are creating will devour them sooner than later. Sooner than later there will be a clamour for reservation in parliament to "atithi or guest citizens".
A cabinet with Kasab, Headley and Sivarasan will be the most tragic part of the Indian republic.
But our media will still be debating whether sari clad Deepika Padukone was more charming than the Aishwarya dressed in gown in Cannes, and our political leaders will continue to look for avenues to make money by corruption and try to find tax havens to store them.
_______________________________________ Prof.R.Vaidyanathan,IIMB
164 - Identity cards scheme will be axed 'within 100 days' in UK BBC News
Identity cards scheme will be axed 'within 100 days' in UK
27th May 2010. BBC News
The National Identity Card scheme will be abolished within 100 days with all cards becoming invalid, Home Secretary Theresa May has said.
Legislation to axe the scheme will be the first put before parliament by the new government - with a target of it becoming law by August.
The 15,000 people who voluntarily paid £30 for a card since the 2009 roll out in Manchester will not get a refund.
Ms May said ID card holders would at least have a "souvenir" of the scheme.
The Labour scheme was aimed at tackling fraud, illegal immigration and identity theft - but it was criticised for being too expensive and an infringement of civil liberties. The cards were designed to hold personal biometric data on an encrypted chip, including name, a photograph and fingerprints. The supporting National Identity Register was designed to hold up to 50 pieces of information.
The cards already in circulation will remain legal until Parliament has passed the legislation to abolish them and the register. The short abolition bill will be pushed through Parliament as quickly as possible with the aim of cards being invalid by 3 September.
Anyone who has a card or has to deal with them, such as airport security officials, will be told the termination date in writing. Once the cards are illegal, the National Identity Register will be "physically destroyed", say ministers. Some 60 people who were working on the scheme for the Identity and Passport Service in Durham have lost their jobs.
Ms May said: "This bill is a first step of many that this government is taking to reduce the control of the state over decent, law-abiding people and hand power back to them. With swift Parliamentary approval, we aim to consign identity cards and the intrusive ID card scheme to history within 100 days."
£800m saving
Officials are renegotiating two contracts worth £650m with companies who had agreed to deliver parts of the scheme. It's not clear how much the government will need to pay compensation, but officials say there is no "poisoned pill" in the deals and they expect to save £86m once all exit costs are met.
Some £250m was spent on developing the national ID programme over eight years and its abolition will mean the government will avoid spending a further £800m over a decade.
Former Labour Home Secretary David Blunkett unveiled plans for an identity card scheme in July 2002. By February 2010, the scheme's costs over its lifetime had ballooned to an estimated £4.5bn.
Despite the demise of the national identity card, a separate but technically similar scheme for some foreign nationals will continue.
That scheme, run by the UK Border Agency, is still being rolled out. Immigration minister Damian Green said the scheme was an EU obligation and that the previous Labour government had rolled it into the main ID card programme.
Some 200,000 of these cards, now known as biometric resident permits, have already been given to migrant workers, foreign students and family members from outside the European Economic Area.
British passports are about to be upgraded to a new international security standard but additional proposals to put more biometric information on in the future have also been axed.
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/46127000/gif/_46127794_id_card_466_v2.gif
27th May 2010. BBC News
The National Identity Card scheme will be abolished within 100 days with all cards becoming invalid, Home Secretary Theresa May has said.
Legislation to axe the scheme will be the first put before parliament by the new government - with a target of it becoming law by August.
The 15,000 people who voluntarily paid £30 for a card since the 2009 roll out in Manchester will not get a refund.
Ms May said ID card holders would at least have a "souvenir" of the scheme.
The Labour scheme was aimed at tackling fraud, illegal immigration and identity theft - but it was criticised for being too expensive and an infringement of civil liberties. The cards were designed to hold personal biometric data on an encrypted chip, including name, a photograph and fingerprints. The supporting National Identity Register was designed to hold up to 50 pieces of information.
The cards already in circulation will remain legal until Parliament has passed the legislation to abolish them and the register. The short abolition bill will be pushed through Parliament as quickly as possible with the aim of cards being invalid by 3 September.
Anyone who has a card or has to deal with them, such as airport security officials, will be told the termination date in writing. Once the cards are illegal, the National Identity Register will be "physically destroyed", say ministers. Some 60 people who were working on the scheme for the Identity and Passport Service in Durham have lost their jobs.
Ms May said: "This bill is a first step of many that this government is taking to reduce the control of the state over decent, law-abiding people and hand power back to them. With swift Parliamentary approval, we aim to consign identity cards and the intrusive ID card scheme to history within 100 days."
£800m saving
Officials are renegotiating two contracts worth £650m with companies who had agreed to deliver parts of the scheme. It's not clear how much the government will need to pay compensation, but officials say there is no "poisoned pill" in the deals and they expect to save £86m once all exit costs are met.
Some £250m was spent on developing the national ID programme over eight years and its abolition will mean the government will avoid spending a further £800m over a decade.
Former Labour Home Secretary David Blunkett unveiled plans for an identity card scheme in July 2002. By February 2010, the scheme's costs over its lifetime had ballooned to an estimated £4.5bn.
Despite the demise of the national identity card, a separate but technically similar scheme for some foreign nationals will continue.
That scheme, run by the UK Border Agency, is still being rolled out. Immigration minister Damian Green said the scheme was an EU obligation and that the previous Labour government had rolled it into the main ID card programme.
Some 200,000 of these cards, now known as biometric resident permits, have already been given to migrant workers, foreign students and family members from outside the European Economic Area.
British passports are about to be upgraded to a new international security standard but additional proposals to put more biometric information on in the future have also been axed.
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/46127000/gif/_46127794_id_card_466_v2.gif
163 - if u wud rather be without my aadhar let me know pls...- Vasanthi Panchakshari
if u wud rather be without my aadhar let me know pls...- vasanthi panchakshari
THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2010
Drass is a small town in Kargil district of Ladakh. It is the second coldest inhabited region in the world. Situated at the base of the Zojila pass in the Himalayas, it forms the Himalayan gateway to Ladakh. The green waters of the Indus, the beauty of the Suru valley, the tall snow covered mountains, make it a favoured transit point for trekkers and bikers. Ok so this is about its geography and topography. The intrigue that drives a different kind of tourist to Drass, is of that of the Zorgpas. Zorgpas are the inhabitants of Drass, and they kind of have this unique distinction of being the only "Pure Aryan' race in the world. "Ladakhi hain, hari ankhen hain", they are Ladakhis like us, but they have green eyes, is how one porter from Kargil described the Zorgpas. Apparently they are trailed by, anthropologists, who come back concluding that they are, well, just'Indo-Aryans', and, by German women wanting to contribute to, what do I say, genesis of Pure-Aryan homo sapien(s) ? So, the Zorgpa men are a coveted tribe, not only are they sought after on procreative missions, they take in polyandrous wives as well! That apart, the community follows certain customs/festivities that sanction free and open sex, on those particular festive days. So, this is about some quaintness of a community very far away from Bangalore, even Delhi, for that matter, in a paragraph.
In far flung Arunachal Pradesh and some remote parts of Himachal, polyandry is practised. Is polyandry in these places a result of the skewed male:female ratio? Probably. But if I am right, this ratio is because of natures ways; will have to check on that though. How do people in these cold regions deal with death? Drass hits minus fifty degree Celsius in the winters, Arunachal Pradesh, the land of the rising sun since its the eastern most bit of the country, too is covered by the Himalayas. Inhuman as it may seem, they have their novel ways of letting go of their beloved ones; in some parts of Arunachal Pradesh, the dead are cut into pieces and fed to the fish in the streams and rivers. Ashes to ashes...the societies way, as do the rights and wrongs of morality.
These are just a couple of quaint stories about the remote parts of our country. The remote parts not always lie at the northen most or eastern most tip of the geography on India. The remote parts, can sometime be reached, if we travel just a few hundred kilometres from the metro cities.
Chandragutti is a small village near Sirsi, which is near Karwar. The village has a community of Devadasis. Like most of us would know, devadasis were women married to the Gods, but in reality, they serve the masters of the village/temple; which is prostitution sanctioned by a custom. They have (had) a tradition when on a certain full moon nights, the women strip naked and climb up to the temple on a mountain to offer their prayers. This ritual has been officially banned by the state, but on a trek there, we were told that this still happens, surreptitiously.
Does this quaintness that sets them apart from the rest of the "regular" pockets of the country also cast ambiguity on their existence? Can a devadasi child from Chandragutti, who through some intervention of fate, gets away from the system and place, claim a fail proof identity in a regular pocket of the country, with dignity? Do we have schools and colleges that will take in a child whose fathers name is not known, without the child and the gaurdian having to do the drill of stepping in and out of the labyrinth of government offices? Writing this now, I don't know how much less or more humane our system is while addressing such issues. But less is more likely. Do we have health care policies that the older people in our country can avail of? If yes, then now that distances are being bridged, will a man/woman from Drass in their 80s be able to effortlessly walk into a hospital in Delhi and get the benefit that state has promised, with dignity?
What does identity have to do with dignity? Maybe all and everything. Each one of us who is reading this right now, have an identity that has been established beyond doubt, because of the primary identity that we got as being "so and so's" children. An identity that, a street kid might not be able to establish, an identity that a nameless dead body of some old street dweller might not be able to establish. Identity is everything.
Did I think about the "identity" of the people in Drass when I was there? No. But ongoing debates on a certain unique id project, got me thinking about some of these people I visited once. Needless to say, a debate is always more vocal and forceful about why something should not be done, so also it is, in the case of this unique id project called Aadhar, formerly called UID. I tried to look up for some "official" write up on the project, like an official website that says, " Welcome to Aadhar, this is your friendly guide who will explain its intricacies to you". But I did not find any. What did I find? A lot of super-duper eloquent writing on the fallacies of the project that will eventually be used to enforce a police-state, and that all our privacy will be gone,kaput. The tag cloud of my anti-Aadhar reading would include keywords like, "Panopticism, Orwellian, anti-privacy, racial profiling, etc" some of which I was able to understand, some of which I was not able to understand. There was not much on the pro-Aadhar debate. I tried to search and sive through links, while constantly sneezing out my brains, to at least figure out what this whole Aadhar thing was? What will Aadhar eventually know about me? But there was nothing conclusive anywhere. Somewhere somebody had written that my unique identification would include things like, my name, address, occupation, age, bank account details etc. etc. But what would etc. etc be? That I am allergic to dust on carpets and blankets? That a certain woman in Drass has just one legal husband, and the rest are quasi legal?
In a way, this Aadhar trail left me, the average common citizen of the country, pretty much disappointed. For a start, the owners and promoters of the initiative who have the responsibility of clearly stating its objectives, responsibilities and its expectations from its citizens, have not done any of that. Then they have to also state just why they need this information and where will they store it and when and why will they use it? Since Aadhar is being promoted as a pro poor policy, they also have to explain how the pro poor technology works? In interviews, the people at Aadhar have made generic comments like, " to facilitate enumeration to the poor". This is a damn good thing. But how? How and why does it become an ideal system? Ok, so, through biometric means, my identity has been established and I get my unique number. If I were to be living in a village, and the state has a duty of paying me a pension of Rs. 600 every month, how does this Biometric Id help, or make it corruption free? Will I be biometrically scanned each time I have to collect my pension, or will Aadhar have some kind of an operational policy that will ensure that, the state opens a bank account for me based on my UID and technically, till the money reaches this bank account its flow is corruption free? And, if my son beats me up and takes away the money after it reaches my hands, then well, unless I complain the state cannot do anything about it? Seems like a reasonably good plan to me. But still, I am just guessing.
If a project of this magnitude is going to be a "voluntary" initiative, as in citizens can voluntarily sign up, or reject, then they have to clearly mention what are the Catch 22s involved. Like say,if I choose not to register then I don't have a UID, and the if were to book a ticket on Indian railway, will my ticket read something like, "Reservation confirmed for 21st march 2014, kindly prove identity on boarding" and when I board the train, the TT throws me out with a scribble on my ticket which says, "The existing individual has no UID, and hence does not exist".
About the anti arguments, my lack of better knowledge of the English language and my utter lack of the existence of other societal models, principals and other exponential thoughts, render me incapable of having vaguely structured thoughts on what the anti-ness is based on. But there were a few things that I was able to soak in, that maybe I can write about?
The first and fore most fear seems to be of that of loss of privacy. So the state will know all about its citizens, and this time officially and legally. To me, technically, this seems to be like building a lot of redundancy into the database system, which is a waste. Regarding privacy, what is private? As kids we used to hover around in the drawing room when we got bored with climbing trees outside. These short spells would give us a lot of insight into the adult world. who is getting married, who is eligible for marriage, who is having issues with issues. We grow up and realise even the regular flower vendor down the street is having similar questions, not only about his nieces and nephews but about you as well. "The private space" is an alien and foreign concept. we have philosophical concept of, "ahem brahmasmi", "I am the universe", but not things like "me-time", "me-space, "me-private". A village barber will know the cause of the itch in his clients armpit.
As it stands today, election card details, with all its errors are visible to one and all, online, telephone directories have our address, for all to see. This might mean that 70% of the information that Aadhar wants to collect is already out there in the public sphere. Also, about 70+% of the population might not be really concerned about the privacy thing.
The second fear seemed to be of that of it being, anti-minority, an enabler for racial-profiling. States, all over the world, will continue to do that, as they have always done, smart card or no smart card. The most horrific genocides in history were not because of a smart card. But a system will definitely make it more methodical, more easier. There has been much ire against the "government" that has got the initiative rolling, suggesting evil intentions behind the project. Lets us not kid ourselves, all our politicians and all our political parties are the same. If I remember reading it right, wasn't it Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru who sowed the seed of communal politics when he got Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad to fight the elections from a predominantly muslim constituency? Our only hope is, hope, love and goodness of the comman man in an "apolitical" society.
The other fears seemed to be about security of the system since its centralized. Centralized, decentralized, any system is as secure as we think it is, we can increase the complexity, and thats about it. Then there was this mention about the inefficacy of having a 16 digit UID number, since someone has scientifically proven that humans cannot remember a number that exceed some certain number of digits. I will say, this is not worthy of a comment. Then there was this opposition to Aadhar because they didn' know if the UID would be a number or a card. Then, there was this opposition to Aadhar because it was being spearheaded by Mr. Nandan Nilekani, who is/was an IT Czar, and his family features in the Forbes richest list. Now, how democratic is that? How many of us who have problems with the Nilekanis of the world, and call for revolutionary actions that can remove the shackles that bind the suppressed lot, even bother to have a self rule that we will travel only in public transport, or we will own only the basic minimum as our own, be it private property or other materialistic goods? And then, there were the other issues about the involvment of Microsoft, bigger IT companies, vested interest etc.
Speaking of Microsoft (a small story here), a couple of years back I was on a mission to bring in Supply Chain Management into agriculture/horticulture, Like all my other missions, this too was a personal mission. The amount of produces that perish before they reach the user is, for a country like ours, criminal. So I set on a trail of what exits. The IAS officer I spoke to suggested that I look into a networking project for farmers in Karnataka. The network had 780+ nodes, each node equipped with a desktop computer, internet connectivity, printer, UPS, computer table and chair. I went to one such node near Bangalore. the computer room they said, had remained closed for the last few months (since the time it got there). maybe there was a problem with the computer and the company that sold the computer had not sent their service person. The machine was high end, one could do graphics and animation, and not just check for daily food grain prices. So, all that hifi was going waste. What was also going waste was the "Enterprise Edition" of Windows"! Enterprise edition to check daily rates of a quintal of ragi and rice? Yeah, so what Aadhar in any avatar definitely needs, is a democratic method to choose technology and technology partners.
All said and done, in a way, Aadhar has been the biggest mystery in my life the last two days. To demystify, as a starter, Mr. Nilekani and his team should come out with a book like, "Aadhar for Dummies". If the initiative is voluntary, then the volunteers very well have a right to know what they are volunteering for. And people opposed to it, you, me and all citizens, should maybe first ensure that the book happens, all our doubts are clarified, so that we are sure we know what we have to oppose?
The comic tragedy of societies like ours is, there are very very very few of us who think, that we have to think, for the mind boggling masses, that is the rest of our population. In due course, while doing so, we just so fall in love with our words, our voices, our thoughts and ideas. We then start communicating with well..just ourselves.
-vasanthi panchakshari
THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2010
Drass is a small town in Kargil district of Ladakh. It is the second coldest inhabited region in the world. Situated at the base of the Zojila pass in the Himalayas, it forms the Himalayan gateway to Ladakh. The green waters of the Indus, the beauty of the Suru valley, the tall snow covered mountains, make it a favoured transit point for trekkers and bikers. Ok so this is about its geography and topography. The intrigue that drives a different kind of tourist to Drass, is of that of the Zorgpas. Zorgpas are the inhabitants of Drass, and they kind of have this unique distinction of being the only "Pure Aryan' race in the world. "Ladakhi hain, hari ankhen hain", they are Ladakhis like us, but they have green eyes, is how one porter from Kargil described the Zorgpas. Apparently they are trailed by, anthropologists, who come back concluding that they are, well, just'Indo-Aryans', and, by German women wanting to contribute to, what do I say, genesis of Pure-Aryan homo sapien(s) ? So, the Zorgpa men are a coveted tribe, not only are they sought after on procreative missions, they take in polyandrous wives as well! That apart, the community follows certain customs/festivities that sanction free and open sex, on those particular festive days. So, this is about some quaintness of a community very far away from Bangalore, even Delhi, for that matter, in a paragraph.
In far flung Arunachal Pradesh and some remote parts of Himachal, polyandry is practised. Is polyandry in these places a result of the skewed male:female ratio? Probably. But if I am right, this ratio is because of natures ways; will have to check on that though. How do people in these cold regions deal with death? Drass hits minus fifty degree Celsius in the winters, Arunachal Pradesh, the land of the rising sun since its the eastern most bit of the country, too is covered by the Himalayas. Inhuman as it may seem, they have their novel ways of letting go of their beloved ones; in some parts of Arunachal Pradesh, the dead are cut into pieces and fed to the fish in the streams and rivers. Ashes to ashes...the societies way, as do the rights and wrongs of morality.
These are just a couple of quaint stories about the remote parts of our country. The remote parts not always lie at the northen most or eastern most tip of the geography on India. The remote parts, can sometime be reached, if we travel just a few hundred kilometres from the metro cities.
Chandragutti is a small village near Sirsi, which is near Karwar. The village has a community of Devadasis. Like most of us would know, devadasis were women married to the Gods, but in reality, they serve the masters of the village/temple; which is prostitution sanctioned by a custom. They have (had) a tradition when on a certain full moon nights, the women strip naked and climb up to the temple on a mountain to offer their prayers. This ritual has been officially banned by the state, but on a trek there, we were told that this still happens, surreptitiously.
Does this quaintness that sets them apart from the rest of the "regular" pockets of the country also cast ambiguity on their existence? Can a devadasi child from Chandragutti, who through some intervention of fate, gets away from the system and place, claim a fail proof identity in a regular pocket of the country, with dignity? Do we have schools and colleges that will take in a child whose fathers name is not known, without the child and the gaurdian having to do the drill of stepping in and out of the labyrinth of government offices? Writing this now, I don't know how much less or more humane our system is while addressing such issues. But less is more likely. Do we have health care policies that the older people in our country can avail of? If yes, then now that distances are being bridged, will a man/woman from Drass in their 80s be able to effortlessly walk into a hospital in Delhi and get the benefit that state has promised, with dignity?
What does identity have to do with dignity? Maybe all and everything. Each one of us who is reading this right now, have an identity that has been established beyond doubt, because of the primary identity that we got as being "so and so's" children. An identity that, a street kid might not be able to establish, an identity that a nameless dead body of some old street dweller might not be able to establish. Identity is everything.
Did I think about the "identity" of the people in Drass when I was there? No. But ongoing debates on a certain unique id project, got me thinking about some of these people I visited once. Needless to say, a debate is always more vocal and forceful about why something should not be done, so also it is, in the case of this unique id project called Aadhar, formerly called UID. I tried to look up for some "official" write up on the project, like an official website that says, " Welcome to Aadhar, this is your friendly guide who will explain its intricacies to you". But I did not find any. What did I find? A lot of super-duper eloquent writing on the fallacies of the project that will eventually be used to enforce a police-state, and that all our privacy will be gone,kaput. The tag cloud of my anti-Aadhar reading would include keywords like, "Panopticism, Orwellian, anti-privacy, racial profiling, etc" some of which I was able to understand, some of which I was not able to understand. There was not much on the pro-Aadhar debate. I tried to search and sive through links, while constantly sneezing out my brains, to at least figure out what this whole Aadhar thing was? What will Aadhar eventually know about me? But there was nothing conclusive anywhere. Somewhere somebody had written that my unique identification would include things like, my name, address, occupation, age, bank account details etc. etc. But what would etc. etc be? That I am allergic to dust on carpets and blankets? That a certain woman in Drass has just one legal husband, and the rest are quasi legal?
In a way, this Aadhar trail left me, the average common citizen of the country, pretty much disappointed. For a start, the owners and promoters of the initiative who have the responsibility of clearly stating its objectives, responsibilities and its expectations from its citizens, have not done any of that. Then they have to also state just why they need this information and where will they store it and when and why will they use it? Since Aadhar is being promoted as a pro poor policy, they also have to explain how the pro poor technology works? In interviews, the people at Aadhar have made generic comments like, " to facilitate enumeration to the poor". This is a damn good thing. But how? How and why does it become an ideal system? Ok, so, through biometric means, my identity has been established and I get my unique number. If I were to be living in a village, and the state has a duty of paying me a pension of Rs. 600 every month, how does this Biometric Id help, or make it corruption free? Will I be biometrically scanned each time I have to collect my pension, or will Aadhar have some kind of an operational policy that will ensure that, the state opens a bank account for me based on my UID and technically, till the money reaches this bank account its flow is corruption free? And, if my son beats me up and takes away the money after it reaches my hands, then well, unless I complain the state cannot do anything about it? Seems like a reasonably good plan to me. But still, I am just guessing.
If a project of this magnitude is going to be a "voluntary" initiative, as in citizens can voluntarily sign up, or reject, then they have to clearly mention what are the Catch 22s involved. Like say,if I choose not to register then I don't have a UID, and the if were to book a ticket on Indian railway, will my ticket read something like, "Reservation confirmed for 21st march 2014, kindly prove identity on boarding" and when I board the train, the TT throws me out with a scribble on my ticket which says, "The existing individual has no UID, and hence does not exist".
About the anti arguments, my lack of better knowledge of the English language and my utter lack of the existence of other societal models, principals and other exponential thoughts, render me incapable of having vaguely structured thoughts on what the anti-ness is based on. But there were a few things that I was able to soak in, that maybe I can write about?
The first and fore most fear seems to be of that of loss of privacy. So the state will know all about its citizens, and this time officially and legally. To me, technically, this seems to be like building a lot of redundancy into the database system, which is a waste. Regarding privacy, what is private? As kids we used to hover around in the drawing room when we got bored with climbing trees outside. These short spells would give us a lot of insight into the adult world. who is getting married, who is eligible for marriage, who is having issues with issues. We grow up and realise even the regular flower vendor down the street is having similar questions, not only about his nieces and nephews but about you as well. "The private space" is an alien and foreign concept. we have philosophical concept of, "ahem brahmasmi", "I am the universe", but not things like "me-time", "me-space, "me-private". A village barber will know the cause of the itch in his clients armpit.
As it stands today, election card details, with all its errors are visible to one and all, online, telephone directories have our address, for all to see. This might mean that 70% of the information that Aadhar wants to collect is already out there in the public sphere. Also, about 70+% of the population might not be really concerned about the privacy thing.
The second fear seemed to be of that of it being, anti-minority, an enabler for racial-profiling. States, all over the world, will continue to do that, as they have always done, smart card or no smart card. The most horrific genocides in history were not because of a smart card. But a system will definitely make it more methodical, more easier. There has been much ire against the "government" that has got the initiative rolling, suggesting evil intentions behind the project. Lets us not kid ourselves, all our politicians and all our political parties are the same. If I remember reading it right, wasn't it Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru who sowed the seed of communal politics when he got Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad to fight the elections from a predominantly muslim constituency? Our only hope is, hope, love and goodness of the comman man in an "apolitical" society.
The other fears seemed to be about security of the system since its centralized. Centralized, decentralized, any system is as secure as we think it is, we can increase the complexity, and thats about it. Then there was this mention about the inefficacy of having a 16 digit UID number, since someone has scientifically proven that humans cannot remember a number that exceed some certain number of digits. I will say, this is not worthy of a comment. Then there was this opposition to Aadhar because they didn' know if the UID would be a number or a card. Then, there was this opposition to Aadhar because it was being spearheaded by Mr. Nandan Nilekani, who is/was an IT Czar, and his family features in the Forbes richest list. Now, how democratic is that? How many of us who have problems with the Nilekanis of the world, and call for revolutionary actions that can remove the shackles that bind the suppressed lot, even bother to have a self rule that we will travel only in public transport, or we will own only the basic minimum as our own, be it private property or other materialistic goods? And then, there were the other issues about the involvment of Microsoft, bigger IT companies, vested interest etc.
Speaking of Microsoft (a small story here), a couple of years back I was on a mission to bring in Supply Chain Management into agriculture/horticulture, Like all my other missions, this too was a personal mission. The amount of produces that perish before they reach the user is, for a country like ours, criminal. So I set on a trail of what exits. The IAS officer I spoke to suggested that I look into a networking project for farmers in Karnataka. The network had 780+ nodes, each node equipped with a desktop computer, internet connectivity, printer, UPS, computer table and chair. I went to one such node near Bangalore. the computer room they said, had remained closed for the last few months (since the time it got there). maybe there was a problem with the computer and the company that sold the computer had not sent their service person. The machine was high end, one could do graphics and animation, and not just check for daily food grain prices. So, all that hifi was going waste. What was also going waste was the "Enterprise Edition" of Windows"! Enterprise edition to check daily rates of a quintal of ragi and rice? Yeah, so what Aadhar in any avatar definitely needs, is a democratic method to choose technology and technology partners.
All said and done, in a way, Aadhar has been the biggest mystery in my life the last two days. To demystify, as a starter, Mr. Nilekani and his team should come out with a book like, "Aadhar for Dummies". If the initiative is voluntary, then the volunteers very well have a right to know what they are volunteering for. And people opposed to it, you, me and all citizens, should maybe first ensure that the book happens, all our doubts are clarified, so that we are sure we know what we have to oppose?
The comic tragedy of societies like ours is, there are very very very few of us who think, that we have to think, for the mind boggling masses, that is the rest of our population. In due course, while doing so, we just so fall in love with our words, our voices, our thoughts and ideas. We then start communicating with well..just ourselves.
-vasanthi panchakshari
162 - Short Film By Oxford Independent
Short film made by Oxford independent in PASTE magazine
May 23, 2007 —
about the future, and why this future can suck. WATCH PART 2.
Watch this clip and then sit back and think of how an illiterate villager in India who loses his smart card will prove who he is to the bungling bureaucracy ?
Ram
May 23, 2007 —
about the future, and why this future can suck. WATCH PART 2.
Watch this clip and then sit back and think of how an illiterate villager in India who loses his smart card will prove who he is to the bungling bureaucracy ?
Ram
161 - G.K.Pillay Home secretary - An interview
G.K.Pillay , Home Secretary of India - T.V. Interview
India goes for Nat ID card with biometric details of every Indian over 15yo: but caste-free at last?
Biggest census ever undertaken in the world.
Apart from census collecting all details including biometrics for a national population register that will cover every body in India . Ten finger prints photographs and also Iris imaging if UIDAI decides. Info will be passed electronically to UIDAI to issue each individual a unique identification number for every one above age 15 and smart card will be issued for every one over 18.
Mainly to ensure there is minimal leakage of govt subsidies and ensures Govt hand outs get to the deserving people.
Whole population will get unique identification numbers for all residents as of 2010.
( Including the 20 million Bangladesis ??)
No questions on caste, but age religion and sex is noted. heading towards a casteless india.
There will be adequate precautions will be taken on privacy issues. Nilkeni will protect UIN.
Ram
India goes for Nat ID card with biometric details of every Indian over 15yo: but caste-free at last?
Biggest census ever undertaken in the world.
Apart from census collecting all details including biometrics for a national population register that will cover every body in India . Ten finger prints photographs and also Iris imaging if UIDAI decides. Info will be passed electronically to UIDAI to issue each individual a unique identification number for every one above age 15 and smart card will be issued for every one over 18.
Mainly to ensure there is minimal leakage of govt subsidies and ensures Govt hand outs get to the deserving people.
Whole population will get unique identification numbers for all residents as of 2010.
( Including the 20 million Bangladesis ??)
No questions on caste, but age religion and sex is noted. heading towards a casteless india.
There will be adequate precautions will be taken on privacy issues. Nilkeni will protect UIN.
Ram
Friday, May 28, 2010
160 - Privacy Issues
Privacy Issues
Privacy is a difficult concept. It is perceived by most people as a legal and moral right to have. Several laws have captured these rights, including the Data Protection Act and Human Rights Act. It is however not something that can be measured. It is a concept that represents the degree of private life and personal space needed and maintained by individuals. Any invasion of privacy or perception of it will have a significant impact on people’s lifes.
Analysing the concept of privacy further, several dimensions or layers of privacy exist:
· Privacy of the body, also called the inviolability of the human body. It concerns the integrity of ones body, which means that persons have the right to refuse injections, blood transfusions, sterilisation, etc.
· Privacy of personal behaviour. In principle, this involves with all human behaviour, but in particular sexual inclination, political and religious preferences, etc., either in private or public places.
· Privacy of personal communication. Individuals claim the right to communicate privately with other individuals without the knowledge of third parties. This is also called interception privacy.
· Privacy of personal data. This involves the right that personal data cannot be accessed or used by third parties without the explicit consent of the involved individual(s). This applies to the storage, processing and transmission of personal data as described in most data protection legislation. This is also called information privacy.
Privacy protection is the process of finding the right balance between the privacy of the individual and the interests of the public in general. To protect privacy, general guidelines are the most pragmatic solution, because privacy involves different levels and dimensions and because the definition of different operational processes related to privacy is very complex. These guidelines can be applied in to the various (groups of) individuals and organisations. Additionally sanctions must be defined to counter non-compliance.
Agreeing codes of practice with the associated procedures for specific branches and technologies would enable the resolution of conflicts of interest and provide a guideline, which is acceptable for all parties.
Privacy is a difficult concept. It is perceived by most people as a legal and moral right to have. Several laws have captured these rights, including the Data Protection Act and Human Rights Act. It is however not something that can be measured. It is a concept that represents the degree of private life and personal space needed and maintained by individuals. Any invasion of privacy or perception of it will have a significant impact on people’s lifes.
Analysing the concept of privacy further, several dimensions or layers of privacy exist:
· Privacy of the body, also called the inviolability of the human body. It concerns the integrity of ones body, which means that persons have the right to refuse injections, blood transfusions, sterilisation, etc.
· Privacy of personal behaviour. In principle, this involves with all human behaviour, but in particular sexual inclination, political and religious preferences, etc., either in private or public places.
· Privacy of personal communication. Individuals claim the right to communicate privately with other individuals without the knowledge of third parties. This is also called interception privacy.
· Privacy of personal data. This involves the right that personal data cannot be accessed or used by third parties without the explicit consent of the involved individual(s). This applies to the storage, processing and transmission of personal data as described in most data protection legislation. This is also called information privacy.
Privacy protection is the process of finding the right balance between the privacy of the individual and the interests of the public in general. To protect privacy, general guidelines are the most pragmatic solution, because privacy involves different levels and dimensions and because the definition of different operational processes related to privacy is very complex. These guidelines can be applied in to the various (groups of) individuals and organisations. Additionally sanctions must be defined to counter non-compliance.
Agreeing codes of practice with the associated procedures for specific branches and technologies would enable the resolution of conflicts of interest and provide a guideline, which is acceptable for all parties.
159 - Creating an Inimitable Consciousness - Moumita Bakshi Chatterjee
Creating an Inimitable Consciousness
Work on India's Unique Identification Project is gaining momentum. Here is a summary of the action. Overall, the project is expected to give the much-needed fillip to the domestic IT and BPO market.
The UIDAI hopes to give out the first set of numbers by February 2011, and cover 600 million residents in 4.5 years. The engines of the unique identification project, which have been revving up for the last few months, seem all set to move full throttle ahead.
The UID project has visibly shifted into higher gear in the past few weeks. Not only is it sporting a brand new logo -- Aadhaar -- but also shaking up the local IT market, thanks to a slew of contracts pertaining to consulting, application development & maintenance, contact centre services, biometric solutions and training services.
Making a unique impression
It's for U and I: Work on India's Unique Identification Project is gaining momentum. Here's a wrap-up of the action..
Overall, the project is expected to give the much-needed fillip to the domestic IT and BPO market.
The UIDAI hopes to give out the first set of numbers by February 2011, and cover 600 million residents in 4.5 years.
Moumita Bakshi Chatterjee
The engines of the unique identification project, which have been revving up for the last few months, seem all set to move full throttle ahead.
The UID project has visibly shifted into higher gear in the past few weeks. Not only is it sporting a brand new logo — Aadhaar — but also shaking up the local IT market, thanks to a slew of contracts pertaining to consulting, application development & maintenance, contact centre services, biometric solutions and training services.
Going forward, these contracts will form the core technological backbone of the nation-wide project — it will enable Government to hand out unique identification numbers to 1.2 billion residents in coming years, and also process hundreds of thousands of simultaneous authentication requests each day.
Overall, the project is expected to give the much-needed fillip to the Rs 66,200-crore domestic IT and BPO market, where growth rate is projected to touch 15-17 per cent in FY11.
Speaking at a UID conference last month, Anirudha Dutta, Executive Director – Equity Research, CLSA, had pointed out that the UID opportunity over the next five years aggregate could be a staggering $20 billion.
This would entail pieces such as strategy, IT consulting, hardware, business process re-engineering, analytics, business intelligence, as well as commercial scope for mobile telecom firms, banks and other organisations.
Ambitious scale
For the record, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) will provide, to every resident, a unique identification number that will serve as a universal proof of identity, allowing residents to establish their credentials anywhere in India.
This ID will be assigned on the basis of the uniqueness of the resident's biometrics. Accordingly, the project proposes to capture fingerprint and iris-related biometrics of each resident. This will enable the Centre to correctly establish the identity of an individual by linking the UID number to the demographic and biometric information.
“It is a computing-intensive task. And it has never been done before on this scale…The largest database so far has been 120 million, and so in that sense we are going to an uncharted territory. But it is doable,” said the UIDAI Chairman, Nandan Nilekani, at a recent CII event.
Putting tech blocks in place
The UIDAI hopes to give out the first set of numbers by February 2011, and cover 600 million residents in 4.5 years.
So it is on a war-footing that the UIDAI is putting together the technological blocks that will ultimately shape India's grandiose plans. In February, the authority roped in a leading consultant to develop the roadmap for the UID project. Ernst & Young edged out other contenders such as Booz & Allen, PA Consulting and Capgemini to win the mandate.
Around the same time, it also invited bids for the development, support and maintenance of UID application software. Although the contract value was relatively small (it ultimately worked out to Rs 19 crore), the tender created quite a buzz in the market as it was the first IT project from the UID stable.
Nineteen bids for application software development came in, and 10 players were shortlisted.
The top IT vendors such as TCS, Infosys, Wipro, IBM and Accenture slugged it out for the mandate, but it is mid-sized IT firm MindTree that looks set to bag the application development deal.
Another key IT contract is for implementation of biometric solutions. The UIDAI has invited Expressions of Interest for implementation of biometric solutions (functions such as de-duplication and biometric verification) for up to 20 crore records in the very first phase of the UID project.
Close to 14 players, including global giants such as Cogent, L-1 Identity Solutions, NEC, and Sagem as well as Indian IT firms such as TCS, Wipro and Bartronics have evinced interest in the order, whose value is being widely estimated at over Rs 100 crore. The companies have already made a detailed presentation before the UIDAI and a shortlist is expected soon.
“The biometric solution will need to support up to one million de-duplication and verification requests a day.
Given the magnitude involved, all biometric companies are trying to bring UID-specific solutions to meet the local requirements,” says one of the bidders.
Procurement of IT-enabled services
Meanwhile, the authority has set the ball rolling on procurement of IT-enabled services that would support the UID project.
Recently it floated the request for proposal (RFP) for setting up contact centres and spelt out the technical and financial criteria for interested bidders.
The call centres' services would offer the central point of contact for assistance or queries on the UID programme and have already caught the attention of Indian and global BPO companies. Genpact, Wipro BPO, Firstsource, TCS, Spanco BPO and many others are expected to jump into the fray on June 1, the last date for submission of bids.
“There is clearly a lot of excitement around all the UID projects and given that the Budget allocation for the UIDAI for the current fiscal is Rs 1,900 crore, we are likely to see quite a bit of movement on the various IT orders this year,” says Rajiv Agarwal, CEO (e-governance), of Spanco.
Training of enrolling agents
Besides this, work has also started for empanelment of training institutes with a view to create trained workforce for UID enrolments.
The empanelled institutes will train the enrolling agency's staff to ensure a standardised enrolling process.
As per initial estimates, this would involve training of over one lakh enrolling agents in four years' time.
Players such as NIIT Ltd, Aptech and HCL Infosystems are eyeing the project, for which the last date of submission of bids is May 17.
“Generally, training contracts tend to be more regional, but this is a tender that has a country-wide repercussion. We will definitely bid,” says the Aptech CEO and MD, Ninad Karpe.
Stiff criteria ring
While the overall UID opportunity promises to be huge, the going would certainly not be a cakewalk for potential bidders. Despite the wide interest to participate in the UID project, only a handful will make it to the final cut.
Already, players are talking about the stiff criteria ring fencing some of the contracts. Another issue being flagged by the industry pertains to the frequent modifications in EoIs and RFPs that are being invited.
“Typically in contracts, partners first get into discussion with players and take their inputs before inviting EoI or RFP. But here, the discussions are taking place after the RFP is floated.
As a result we are seeing frequent revisions and modifications in various documents. This is a little discomforting,” says an industry observer.
moumita@thehindu.co.in
Work on India's Unique Identification Project is gaining momentum. Here is a summary of the action. Overall, the project is expected to give the much-needed fillip to the domestic IT and BPO market.
The UIDAI hopes to give out the first set of numbers by February 2011, and cover 600 million residents in 4.5 years. The engines of the unique identification project, which have been revving up for the last few months, seem all set to move full throttle ahead.
The UID project has visibly shifted into higher gear in the past few weeks. Not only is it sporting a brand new logo -- Aadhaar -- but also shaking up the local IT market, thanks to a slew of contracts pertaining to consulting, application development & maintenance, contact centre services, biometric solutions and training services.
Making a unique impression
It's for U and I: Work on India's Unique Identification Project is gaining momentum. Here's a wrap-up of the action..
Overall, the project is expected to give the much-needed fillip to the domestic IT and BPO market.
The UIDAI hopes to give out the first set of numbers by February 2011, and cover 600 million residents in 4.5 years.
Moumita Bakshi Chatterjee
The engines of the unique identification project, which have been revving up for the last few months, seem all set to move full throttle ahead.
The UID project has visibly shifted into higher gear in the past few weeks. Not only is it sporting a brand new logo — Aadhaar — but also shaking up the local IT market, thanks to a slew of contracts pertaining to consulting, application development & maintenance, contact centre services, biometric solutions and training services.
Going forward, these contracts will form the core technological backbone of the nation-wide project — it will enable Government to hand out unique identification numbers to 1.2 billion residents in coming years, and also process hundreds of thousands of simultaneous authentication requests each day.
Overall, the project is expected to give the much-needed fillip to the Rs 66,200-crore domestic IT and BPO market, where growth rate is projected to touch 15-17 per cent in FY11.
Speaking at a UID conference last month, Anirudha Dutta, Executive Director – Equity Research, CLSA, had pointed out that the UID opportunity over the next five years aggregate could be a staggering $20 billion.
This would entail pieces such as strategy, IT consulting, hardware, business process re-engineering, analytics, business intelligence, as well as commercial scope for mobile telecom firms, banks and other organisations.
Ambitious scale
For the record, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) will provide, to every resident, a unique identification number that will serve as a universal proof of identity, allowing residents to establish their credentials anywhere in India.
This ID will be assigned on the basis of the uniqueness of the resident's biometrics. Accordingly, the project proposes to capture fingerprint and iris-related biometrics of each resident. This will enable the Centre to correctly establish the identity of an individual by linking the UID number to the demographic and biometric information.
“It is a computing-intensive task. And it has never been done before on this scale…The largest database so far has been 120 million, and so in that sense we are going to an uncharted territory. But it is doable,” said the UIDAI Chairman, Nandan Nilekani, at a recent CII event.
Putting tech blocks in place
The UIDAI hopes to give out the first set of numbers by February 2011, and cover 600 million residents in 4.5 years.
So it is on a war-footing that the UIDAI is putting together the technological blocks that will ultimately shape India's grandiose plans. In February, the authority roped in a leading consultant to develop the roadmap for the UID project. Ernst & Young edged out other contenders such as Booz & Allen, PA Consulting and Capgemini to win the mandate.
Around the same time, it also invited bids for the development, support and maintenance of UID application software. Although the contract value was relatively small (it ultimately worked out to Rs 19 crore), the tender created quite a buzz in the market as it was the first IT project from the UID stable.
Nineteen bids for application software development came in, and 10 players were shortlisted.
The top IT vendors such as TCS, Infosys, Wipro, IBM and Accenture slugged it out for the mandate, but it is mid-sized IT firm MindTree that looks set to bag the application development deal.
Another key IT contract is for implementation of biometric solutions. The UIDAI has invited Expressions of Interest for implementation of biometric solutions (functions such as de-duplication and biometric verification) for up to 20 crore records in the very first phase of the UID project.
Close to 14 players, including global giants such as Cogent, L-1 Identity Solutions, NEC, and Sagem as well as Indian IT firms such as TCS, Wipro and Bartronics have evinced interest in the order, whose value is being widely estimated at over Rs 100 crore. The companies have already made a detailed presentation before the UIDAI and a shortlist is expected soon.
“The biometric solution will need to support up to one million de-duplication and verification requests a day.
Given the magnitude involved, all biometric companies are trying to bring UID-specific solutions to meet the local requirements,” says one of the bidders.
Procurement of IT-enabled services
Meanwhile, the authority has set the ball rolling on procurement of IT-enabled services that would support the UID project.
Recently it floated the request for proposal (RFP) for setting up contact centres and spelt out the technical and financial criteria for interested bidders.
The call centres' services would offer the central point of contact for assistance or queries on the UID programme and have already caught the attention of Indian and global BPO companies. Genpact, Wipro BPO, Firstsource, TCS, Spanco BPO and many others are expected to jump into the fray on June 1, the last date for submission of bids.
“There is clearly a lot of excitement around all the UID projects and given that the Budget allocation for the UIDAI for the current fiscal is Rs 1,900 crore, we are likely to see quite a bit of movement on the various IT orders this year,” says Rajiv Agarwal, CEO (e-governance), of Spanco.
Training of enrolling agents
Besides this, work has also started for empanelment of training institutes with a view to create trained workforce for UID enrolments.
The empanelled institutes will train the enrolling agency's staff to ensure a standardised enrolling process.
As per initial estimates, this would involve training of over one lakh enrolling agents in four years' time.
Players such as NIIT Ltd, Aptech and HCL Infosystems are eyeing the project, for which the last date of submission of bids is May 17.
“Generally, training contracts tend to be more regional, but this is a tender that has a country-wide repercussion. We will definitely bid,” says the Aptech CEO and MD, Ninad Karpe.
Stiff criteria ring
While the overall UID opportunity promises to be huge, the going would certainly not be a cakewalk for potential bidders. Despite the wide interest to participate in the UID project, only a handful will make it to the final cut.
Already, players are talking about the stiff criteria ring fencing some of the contracts. Another issue being flagged by the industry pertains to the frequent modifications in EoIs and RFPs that are being invited.
“Typically in contracts, partners first get into discussion with players and take their inputs before inviting EoI or RFP. But here, the discussions are taking place after the RFP is floated.
As a result we are seeing frequent revisions and modifications in various documents. This is a little discomforting,” says an industry observer.
moumita@thehindu.co.in
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