Unique Identification Numbers for Common Citizen

A Conundrum reply to age old administrative problems

Post 9/11 terrorist attack it was considered that having an identity proof can curb the growth
of terrorism. It was said that terrorist comes with Ak-47 not with identity proof. However,
the reality was bitter behind the curtains. Super power nation USA suffered the terrorism like
never before, the identity proof security flopped. Technical solution are impactful but in limited
space. The concept of Unique Identification number in India for every citizen is a huge project
because of its cost and impact. The ruling UPA made this project pro-poor scheme. Government
officials is singing about the advantages of this project that it will help to manage efficiently
welfare schemes such as the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA), the public
distribution system (PDS), public health and financial inclusion. Whereas, the London School
of Economics in UK and IIM-Ahmadabad in respect to India have questioned the utility of
project under Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) led by former CEO of Infosys
Nandan Nilekani.

In India thoughts for unique identity came after the Kargil war. After war, Kargil Review
Committee recommended the formula of ID cards to curb the infiltration in border areas. In
2003, NDA government launched “National Population Register” (NPR) and planned Multi-
purpose National Identity Card (MNIC). Since 2009, the same concept magnanimously operated
across the country. Till 25 October 2012 over 210 million people covering around 17% of total
population have been enrolled to UIDAI. Civil activist and retired Army officer Col. Mathew
Thomas said at a public consultation held in Bangalore last year that the functioning of UIDAI
in unconstitutional as the National Identification Authority of India Bill 2010 is still not cleared
from parliament. The future of UIDAI will remain uncertain in the absence legal powers. Public
distribution system will improve as targeted in the frame work of Unique Identification System is
also questioned by the Col. Mathew Thomas. He explained BPL families are dependent on ration
shopkeeper’s kindness and the shopkeeper can cheat with the card holder on the grounds of
authentication. Even bigger and unaddressed issue is of Identity theft. Developed countries that
already used such unique identity systems have no answer to identity thefts. There is no profound
and worldwide accepted safety system suggested by UIDAI. Many experts like Professor Ian
Angle from London School of Economics termed the UID system as “Olympics games of
hacking” on the data safety issues.

Besides all the controversies UID is the only and countries first nationwide accepted biometric
card which will carry all the crucial information of a citizen. If all went well UID seems to be
effective in curbing corruption at various levels by plugging the administrative leakages. At the
least one nation one identity issue will be solved. Goals linked with UID are very optimistic but
not impossible at all. Many policies and schemes which failed elsewhere have succeeded in India
UPA Government is hoping same.