By Unnati Narang
Wednesday, September 29th, 2010 12:04 pm
The ambitious UID (Unique Identification) project, now called the AADHAAR, takes off today as the PM will allocate the first unique numbers to inhabitants of tribal district Nandurbar in Maharashtra. However, there have been many questions and criticisms raised regarding the launch preparations. Law experts claim that proper procedures have not been followed. Indians as well as important Parliamentarians have not been taken into the loop at large.
The project is one of the most ambitious ones embarked upon by the Union Government. It seeks to create a database that will have unique identification numbers, for each and every resident in India. On top of it, these will be verified and authenticated using processes like fingerprints and iris scan. It is expected to benefit the end beneficiaries of government scheme and to extend the outreach of these programmes, as claimed by supporters and the UIDAI chairman Nandan Nilkani.
The project is one of the most ambitious ones embarked upon by the Union Government. It seeks to create a database that will have unique identification numbers, for each and every resident in India. On top of it, these will be verified and authenticated using processes like fingerprints and iris scan. It is expected to benefit the end beneficiaries of government scheme and to extend the outreach of these programmes, as claimed by supporters and the UIDAI chairman Nandan Nilkani.
Activists further have gone on to question the very idea of the project, especially its efficacy. They question the methods used and how it will help if the UIDAI uses existing database provided by schemes like NREGA and PDS for UID enrollments. Technology might not promote inclusion, many feel. They demand adequate public debate.