MBA GD Topic: Is it wise to link SIM Card with Aadhaar Number?
Rruchi Shrimalli | November 15, 2014 5:20 PM
A Group Discussion (GD) round is an opportunity for B-schools to test the applicants on their knowledge and awareness about topical issues. Topics that seem very commonplace may require more efforts to frame good answers. You must be familiar with the facts, figures and in-depth information on such issues and may even take a diplomatic stand on them as you discuss pros and cons about them.
The Unique Identification Number (UID) project, also known as Aadhaar number, is a government project that aims to provide a unique 16-digit number to all the citizens of India which will serve as their identity and address proof. Recently, Indian government has decided to link a person’s SIM card with the Aadhar Number. In a few months, it will mandatory to produce one’s Aadhaar number to get new mobile connection or retain the existing one.
Let’s have a look at the pros and cons of this decision:
Arguments in favour of SIM with Aadhaar card
- Authentic and genuine traceability of people: Unique Identification Number (UID) of a person is his or her identity and address proof. Linking SIM card with it will mean that ghost users will disappear. It will become easier to trace users who misuse their mobile phones for anti-social activities.
- Access to facilities: Earlier, the Supreme Court had suspended the decision to make Aadhaar card necessary to procure cooking gas. But, now the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has been directed to generate Aadhaar numbers for over 100 crore residents by December 2014. Till now, about 70 crore Aadhaar numbers have already been rolled out. Linking UID with SIM card will mean a strong verification factor for the government.
- Corruption-free Society: Functioning of government departments will also become more transparent and scope of defaults will be greatly curbed.
- Monitor activity of foreigners in India: Government has proposed to issue Aadhaar card to foreigners so that their social and financial data can be at the fingertips of the government.
Arguments against SIM with Aadhaar card
- Threat to confidentiality of data: With all the data in the hand of the government, its storage and retrieval can be an issue. Hacking and online tampering of data may be a challenge for several corporations.
- Telecom operator may suffer loss of subscriptions: Each telecom network operator wants to increase their subscriptions. Hence, they come up with different promotional offers, reduced prices and make SIM available with minimal number of documents. Linking SIM with Aadhaar may be a cause of concern for them.
Conclusion
SIM with Aadhaar can be a good reform and make our society corruption and crime free to a large extent, if it is used with care. The government will have to make reforms to ascertain SIM ownership and set up a wing to safeguard and timely retrieval of data.