2035 - UID Project - Front Line

UID project

FRONTLINE deserves credit for clearing the fog surrounding the cumbersome and confusing Unique Identification number project (“Number of controversies”, Cover Story, December 2). Unfortunately, the much-hyped UID project has gone too far, and thrives on the misconception of many Indians that the UID alone can solve their identity problems.

Spending crores of rupees on this scheme is a cruel joke on India's poor. Secondly, does the state need to intrude into the lives of its citizens? The interview with Dr Edgar Whitley exposes the failings of the biometric process. It is time to wake up and stop relying on an unrealistic project like the UID.

Atul Kumar Thakur
Ghaziabad, U.P.

BEFORE proceeding further with the project, it will be worthwhile for the government to find out if the electronic equipment in its offices are in order. Even if they are, will it be able to ensure that the agencies collecting data for the UID will not misuse it? It is for sure that corporates will obtain databases through these agencies. Also, how can one expect that the data will not be hacked?

Sunil Nair
Palakkad, Kerala

THE UID is going to be just another identification document like passport, PAN card, driving licence, voter identity card, and so on.

There should be only one identity proof for all practical purposes. And passports, which are valid internationally, are ideal for this. Acquiring a passport should be made mandatory for every citizen. It will save crores of rupees that is now wasted on creating various identification documents.

Mahesh Kapasi
New Delhi

THE Cover Story has presented a fine analysis of all the problems connected with the UID project. If the UID serves the purpose of bridging the two Indias, it is good. But issues such as the costs, intrusion into privacy, security, and the harm that it can do to the social sector are worrying. It may not be advisable to simply discard it. Instead, there should be a nationwide debate on it.

Jacob Sahayam
Thiruvananthapuram

NO doubt the UID project is a great effort on the part of the Union government in modernising the personal data of all Indians.

The UID number will go a long way in plugging the loopholes in government-launched programmes such as the public distribution system. The UID number will be a boon for people wanting to open bank accounts, get driving licences and apply for passports.

The fears about the possible theft and misuse of personal details should not be taken seriously. In fact, the UID system will easily prevent any duplication or impersonation since it is based on biometric attributes like fingerprints and iris scans.

Apart from speeding up the process of distributing UID numbers, effective steps should be taken to create awareness amongst people about the importance of the whole UID system.

P. Senthil Saravana Durai
Vazhavallan,
Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu