Monday, September 30, 2013

4717 - Show your cards - The Indian Express

Show your cards

The Indian Express : Sat Sep 28 2013

* This refers to 'Foundational error' (IE, September 25). Ever since the Aadhaar project took off a few years ago, it has been shrouded in secrecy, and hampered by the lack of foresight. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has still not got the statutory power or recognition it so badly needs. 

There is no clarity on what the scope and purpose of an Aadhaar card is. In some quarters, it is felt that Aadhaar only replicates what the National Population Register is already doing. The uncertainty surrounding the project has created a sense of insecurity among people about how their personal data will be utilised and stored. People are also quite confused about whether Aadhaar is mandatory or optional. The government must work towards giving UIDAI parliamentary sanction and clarify these issues. If welfare programmes and accessing basic facilities are going to be predicated on having an Aadhaar card, then the UIDAI must at least have a legal framework.
— Ganapathi Bhat
Akola