Activists and researchers raised doubts over security of the data being collected for the Unique Identification (UID) project and its public utility.
"The personal information being collected for the UID would be stored in a central database system without assuring protection against datatheft. There could be a possibility of profiling, tracking and surveillance with the help of the information.There are also doubts over the efficacy of the project. The UID claims better delivery of public schemes such as PDS or NREGA but does not say how would it help the people.
The UID number will only guarantee identity, not rights, benefits, or entitlements. In fact, when UID is not compatible with records in ration shops, how the Government is going to plug leakages in the public schemes?
Besides, the infallibility of biometric fingerprints and iris scan is still being tested. The evidences have begun to emerge those callused hands, corneal scars and cataract induced by malnourishment may leave many millions outside this pattern of identification.
The Nandan Nilekani-led project, which is the UPA government's most ambitious one so far, would provide a unique identity number to all Indians.
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