Jim, The original plan was to issue aadhar cards based on biometrics to prevent leakages in poverty alleviation and food distribution systems and to ensure that cash benefits went directly to the deserving. However, the present govt which strongly opposed aadhar when in opposition has found that it is a useful tool to track and monitor individuals and keep citizens under surveillance. Aadhar is being made mandatory for school and college admissions, for filling up examination forms, for making passports and driving licences, for making investments, for taking insurance policies and sundry other reasons.
So far as tax and banking is concerned there is already a PAN Card similar to the IRS card that every US citizen must have while making financial transactions. Regards, Marshall Pardon me for disagreeing with you on some aspects of Aadhar card implementation. This is a great method to reduce, if not to completely root out black money, from circulation. If implemented correctly, this gives the Indian government the necessary ability to collect taxes on hidden wealth. It is my sense that most independent cash businesses and other wealthy people in India are not paying their fair share. But I do agree with you that the government has the responsibility to maintain a tight control on who gets to access sensitive information.