Feb 12, 2012, 02.45AM IST
The unique identity number project ran into teething problems and took some knocks from sections of the government. But it seems to be back on track now. Nandan Nilekani , IT czar and Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) chairperson, tells Mahendra Kumar Singh how the next phase of the ambitious programme will pan out
By when do you think Aadhaar numbers will be given to all residents?
The UIDAI, through its multiple registrars, has already enrolled about 20 crore residents. The government has approved enrollment of an additional 40 crore residents through the UIDAI's multiple registrars in certain states/UTs. Simultaneously, the registrar general of India (RGI) through the national population registers will also be enrolling and there will be convergence of these efforts.
How will you address the concerns raised by the home ministry in your enrollment process?
Over the next few weeks, we will undertake a study of our process and do a strategy refresh to address any concerns on our processes. The Aadhaar project is a developmental initiative to give a proof of identity to the marginalized and disadvantaged so that it enables easier access to services and benefits. The inclusive agenda of the project must be kept in mind while devising ways to streamline the processes.
Are you satisfied with the outcome of the cabinet solution to differences between UIDAI and RGI? (Can we reframe this question?)
The government has mandated the UIDAI to enrol an additional 40 crore residents and we will get down to the task immediately.
What has been the experience so far of rolling out Aadhaar? Which segment of the population is more forthcoming?
The project, since its launch in September 2010, has been progressing very well. We have built a highly scalable technical architecture to enable largescale enrollment. The UIDAI's biometric technology is handling large volumes. The fact that this has not been attempted anywhere in the world is a huge challenge as well as a source of strength for us. Our focus, through our registrars, would be to focus on the marginalized segments of the population who require the proof of identity the most.
There is strong criticism about the system as lots of people have complained that they have not yet received their Aadhaar number. What are you doing to streamline the process?
There is an issue of delayed delivery of Aadhaar letters. We are addressing this issue by increasing the capacity of printing the letters through our partners as well as devising other ways in which the resident can access his/her Aadhaar number (through the internet). The UIDAI hopes that this issue would be addressed in the coming months.
Do you have the requisite manpower to roll out an additional 40 crore Aadhaar numbers?
The UIDAI does not undertake the enrollment itself. It engages registrars, primarily state governments and other public sector institutions, to undertake this enrollment. We are confident of achieving this enrollment in the required time-frame.
By when do you expect benefits of Aadhaar numbers to reflect in services provided by government agencies?
Aadhaar is already sufficient KYC (know your customer) for a bank account, mobile connection as well as a proof of identity and address in various states for government schemes. This itself is a benefit that will empower the resident. Our focus is to get the applications of Aadhaar off the ground in the coming year. We are focusing on financial inclusion, payments of government disbursements through Aadhaar-enabled bank accounts so that convenience and choice are available to the resident.
Do you think it will be able to plug loopholes in the delivery system?
Aadhaar is an enabler for better governance. It is a facilitator. It is not a panacea for all ills. It will help governments to deliver public services better and in a more efficient manner.
What are the steps being taken to maintain confidentiality of data?
Both technologically and as a policy we are maintaining the confidentiality of residents' data. The enrollment packets are encrypted. Our authentication service only provides a yes/no answer. We have limited demographic data fields.
Having worked in the private sector for long, are you disillusioned with how things have panned out for you in the government?
The progress of the project has been satisfactory since it was launched in 2010. I will continue to implement the project as per the mandate of the government.
