There are two different sets of problems here. One, very much recognised in the Western context. That is the issue of privacy, data security and the threat of identity theft. There is a strong aversion to allow the Big Brother / Sister all the while breathe down the neck.
But there is also another set of problem. India specific A very significant segment of our population remain unlettered, and hence severely lacking in general awareness, and also without any shelter worth the name. Hence they may not just be able to obtain these cards. And even if the card is obtained, one may not be able to properly use it. But the most dangerous aspect is that inability to produce the card at command will criminalise the very existence. And that would make one utterly vulnerable to grossest forms of exploitations and abuse. Apart from the not too unlikely prospects of being thrown behind the bars indefinitely. And precisely because of general awareness and grinding poverty, the issue would look too remote and esoteric to the potential victims till it hits in the face. Not that it would be too easy to implement. We know the case of the voter identity card. But that cannot be any ground for passive acquiescence. Sukla http://www.indianexpress.com/news/pranab-allots-rs-1 20-cr-for-unique-id-first-set-in-18-months/485673/ Pranab allots Rs 120 cr for Unique ID; first set in 18 months Agencies Posted online: Monday , Jul 06, 2009 at 1401 hrs New Delhi : Countrymen will start getting the sophisticated unique identity cards from within the next 18 months with the government allocating Rs 120 crore for the purpose in the general budget on Monday. Announcing this, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said the first set of unique identity numbers will be rolled out in 12 to 18 months. "A provision of Rs 120 crore has been proposed for this project," Mukherjee said during his budget in the Lok Sabha. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), set up recently by the government, will establish an online databse with identity and biometric details of Indian residents and provide enrolment and verification services across the country. Mukherjee said the setting of the UIDAI was a "major step in improving the governance with regard to delivery of public services.” The Finance Minister also expressed his happiness that the project also marks the beginning of an era where a top private sector talent, Nandan Nilekani of Infosys, steps forward to take the responsibility for implementing the projects of vital national importance. --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Green Youth Movement" group. To post to this group, send email to greenyouth@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to greenyouth+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/greenyouth?hl=en-GB -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
