The Economic Survey of 2018-19 proposed the creation of a comprehensive central welfare database for the country’s citizens. This initiative suggests collating various data points tracked and preserved by different ministries and departments. The primary objective behind this is to harvest the enormous amount of public data generated, in order to serve the people better.
The Purpose of Central Welfare Database
The underlying idea driving the recommended central welfare database is that the vast majority of data generated by the populace should be used for their welfare. Currently, the government has an abundant store of administrative, institutional, transaction, and survey data concerning its citizens. However, this information is distributed across several government bodies. Collating this data into a single resource can aid the government in making more effective use of it.
By leveraging the information embedded in this database, the government aims to enhance the standard of living for citizens. It would enable evidence-based policy-making, improve targeting in welfare schemes, identify unmet needs, integrate fragmented markets, increase accountability in public services, and encourage more extensive citizen participation in governance.
Composition of the Database
The suggested central welfare database would be a synthesis of various datasets. It would encompass birth and death records, pension details, tax records, and marriage documentation. In addition, survey data like census and national sample survey data would be included. Other information such as e-national agriculture market data, UPI data, institutional data, and public hospital data on patients would also be part of this centralised database.
It has been proposed that this database be constructed as a public good within the legal framework of data privacy.
Data Monetisation and Private Sector Access
Selling a portion of the generated data could help alleviate pressure on government finances. As such, the proposal includes monetising this database. Access to a selected database could be offered to the private sector in return for a fee. This move could potentially open new revenue channels for the government.
A Glimpse at Some Data Sources
| Data Source | Type of Information |
|---|---|
| Birth and Death Records | Demographic information |
| Tax Records | Financial details |
| e-National Agriculture Market Data | Agricultural transactions |
| Public Hospital Data | Health statistics |
Personal Data Protection Policy
The Indian government is acutely aware of the importance of data privacy and is working on finalising a personal data protection policy. Security measures and legal frameworks would be put in place to ensure the privacy of citizens is not compromised. The central welfare database aims to work under these strict data security regulations, ensuring the responsible use of public data.