Nov 7, 2014, DHNS :
The government’s decision asking mobile operators to collect Aadhaar numbers from new subscribers is a misdirected move.
The process of getting a new mobile connection is already tight with service providers strictly adhering to verification norms. In this context, introducing a new element – linking Aadhaar numbers to mobile connections – is potentially fraught with adverse consequences.
Mobile phones in India have revolutionised communications and this is one technology that has reached all sections of society – down to the humble worker, farmer, vegetable seller, domestic help and much of unorganised labour. In its attempt to link the mobile SIM to Aadhaar, the Department of Telecommunications is bringing in a rule that could work to the disadvantage of thousands of people who are yet to get their unique identity numbers.
The process of getting a new mobile connection is already tight with service providers strictly adhering to verification norms. In this context, introducing a new element – linking Aadhaar numbers to mobile connections – is potentially fraught with adverse consequences.
Mobile phones in India have revolutionised communications and this is one technology that has reached all sections of society – down to the humble worker, farmer, vegetable seller, domestic help and much of unorganised labour. In its attempt to link the mobile SIM to Aadhaar, the Department of Telecommunications is bringing in a rule that could work to the disadvantage of thousands of people who are yet to get their unique identity numbers.
The stated reason for linking SIM to Aadhaar – to eliminate “ghost” users and prevent misuse of mobile phones for anti-social activities – may seem valid but the existing procedures have proved themselves equal to the task. In time, even existing subscribers will have to hand in their Aadhaar numbers to mobile operators. In that case, what will be the status of mobile connections of those who do not have Aadhaar numbers? Will they be disconnected? Won’t that affect those very sections of the population which have, for once, directly benefited from a new technology?
Ironically, the BJP government at the Centre, which not long ago was dismissive of Aadhaar, has now made an about-turn and appears keener to implement it than the previous Congress government which initiated it. Already, there are problems in implementing Aadhaar for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) meant to provide subsidy to users of domestic LPG cylinders.
Since many consumers do not have Aadhaar numbers, the government has said subsidies can be transferred to their bank accounts and that the unique identity number is not a prerequisite. The LPG-DBT issue should have shown the government that it is not an easy task to link Aadhaar to benefits and services as the process of issuing unique identity numbers is only partially complete.
Once Aadhaar reaches each and every individual in the country, using it to improve various services, reduce fund leakage and prevent corruption will be a lot easier. By then, the government will also have had the time to bring in watertight systems and convince Aadhaar-sceptics that data of individuals will not fall into the wrong hands. All this is going to take time. Until then, it will be in the best interests of common people if ambitious plans like linking Aadhaar to SIM are kept in abeyance.
