Contents
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 3
UID project - Technological Architecture................................................................................................ 4
International Parallels ............................................................................................................................. 6
The Indian Scenario – Analyzing Adhaar for Benefits and Drawbacks ................................................... 7
UID – An Enabler ..................................................................................................................................... 9
Q&A ....................................................................................................................................................... 11
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Introduction
India is moving fast on the road of development. Transformation is evident – from villages to towns, towns to cities. But the urbanization comes at a cost. Issues related to security, healthcare, education etc. still persist. The condition of the poor is still remains despicable. Amidst all this, the concern for identity of an individual resident of the nation becomes very important. Proving the identity, presently, is one of the biggest barriers for the poor to avail the Govt. sponsored schemes.
There are numerous identity options for the residents. Each option comes with its own verification process and hence the cost too. As a consequence, identity silos are being constructed and it becomes inconvenient for the residents and authorities both. In this context, the introduction of a unique and single identity number seems to have many benefits. The universal identity number may become transformational in eliminating fraud and better reach of services.
Historical Background
The concept of unique identity number was first discussed with the administrative approval of the
“Unique ID for BPL families” project in 2006. “The strategic vision for UID” envisaged the integration of the UID project with the electoral database. It also laid forward the need of a UID authority under the Planning Commission of India. An Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM) was formed to test the synergies between the National Population Register and UID project. Finally, after the fourth EGoM meeting, the UIDAI was former in January 2009. Mr. Nandan Nilekani was brought in to head the
UIDAI in July that year and laucnh project Adhaar.
Implementation of UID Project
UIDAI as a statutory body is responsible for creating, administering and enforcing the policy measures. UIDAI has standardized the demographic and biometric data it will collect from the residents. The Committee on Demographic Data Standards and Verification Procedures has decided the demographic parameters as: Name, Date of birth, Gender, Father's/ Husband's/ Guardian's name and UID (optional for adult residents), Mother's/ Wife's/ Guardian's name and UID (optional for adult residents), Introducer's name and UID ( in case of lack of documents) and Address. It has also specified the verification process. The Committee on Biometric Standards has decided to collect all ten fingerprints, two iris scans and photographs as biometric indicators.
Structure of UID implementation
CIDR: Central ID Repository
This will be the central database of the demographic and biometric information and will also serve as the verification point when online verification process is used.
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UID Partner Agencies
These will be structured as Registrars, Sub Registrars and Enrolling agencies. Registrars will Govt. agencies like LIC or public banks which will take enrolment
