This summer, Aadhaar Bill is taking the temperature high. The controversy and the criticism gained by this Bill are majorly due to non-clarity and inadequate understanding of the fact.

Aadhaar is perhaps becoming the first document of existence for many residents. It is becoming popular as a proof of their identity and address that can be verified online and freely acceptable in all departments. Though aadhaar is now referred as user-friendly proof it is still gaining concern and criticism targeting on its potential misuse.

 

Let us first get a basic overview of the Bill before we get into the controversies:

 

For anyone to get an Aadhaar number the details that need to be submitted include:

• biometric (photograph, finger print, iris scan) and
• demographic (name, date of birth, address) information.

 

The Aadhaar number will be used to verify the identity of a person receiving a subsidy or a service. If a person does not have an Aadhaar number, the government will ask them to apply for it. Otherwise, the person will be given an alternative means of identification. Any public or private entity can accept the Aadhaar number as a proof of identity of the Aadhaar number holder, for any purpose. However, the number is not a proof of citizenship or domicile.

 

Now, coming to the controversies, there were several issues based on which concerns were raised like:

• Privacy

 When we talk about the sharing of our identity/ address details, we share these when we apply for Passport, PAN , Driving License etc. We also share these details with insurance companies, Banks and even with telecom companies. When we freely share our details with these departments then we should also understand that Aadhaar Card is nothing different from other documents.

The NDA government’s modification to the UPA’s bill has taken care of the privacy concerns of citizens. With the modification now, the details can be shared only under two circumstances: National security and a court order.

 

• Proof of citizenship

Another criticism of the Aadhaar programme is that it is being given to everyone without identifying citizenship. The UIDAI has clarified that Aadhaar is for ‘residents’ and not just for ‘citizens’, a position that has remained unchanged since the programme was first initiated. Anyone who states otherwise is misrepresenting the facts.

 

• Biometric and data theft

The UIDAI has ensured security of data – both physically and at the application level by applying leading technical and process practices. The UIDAI has also established two large-scale data centres to ensure complete security of data and applications.

The Aadhaar programme has often been questioned because UIDAI collects biometrics and data “that can be stolen” or “sold to other countries”, and the security of which cannot be guaranteed. Here, we should not forget that all government data resides in government databases just like all bank account data, including passwords, resides in bank databases. Therefore, the question of data theft shall not arise. Also, to have a control over the security, it regularly conducts audits by reputed third party agencies to keep its systems and processes up to date.

 

• Is Aadhaar mandatory for citizens to avail subsidies and government benefits?

The NDA government has clarified that Aadhaar will not be mandatory; banks are likely to insist on the number to implement DBT to skirt problems arising out of duplication. Even now, if one approaches a bank to open a Jan Dhan account, the institution will accept any document (driving licence, PAN card, ration card etc.) but to link it as DBT account, it will insist on an Aadhaar number.

 

The increased savings and efficiency in public service delivery due to the usage of Aadhaar would make dubious business practices redundant. With Aadhaar gets legal backing, the government can streamline more subsidies and benefits to the intended beneficiaries. It’s a win-win situation for both the government and the citizens. The benefits of a legally-backed Aadhaar far outweigh the currently highlighted concerns by Congress and Left parties. The Bill will enable the government to set up a statutory authority for the Aadhaar card scheme. This will also permit banks to use the Aadhaar number as identification for customers, which will help them weed out fake Jan Dhan accounts.

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