The Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (Meity) recently inaugurated a 3-day workshop titled ‘Aadhaar 2.0- Ushering the Next Era of Digital Identity and Smart Governance’. The workshop aims to explore the influence of Digital Identity on major government reforms and schemes. Additionally, it is intended to delve into the future prospects of Digital Identity in achieving universal social and financial inclusion.
About the Workshop
The workshop is designed to provide a venue for information exchange between government and industry leaders, noted academicians, scientists, innovators, and practitioners active in India’s Digital Identity Domain. The event also offers an opportunity to contribute to regional and global debates, contemplating Indian-specific challenges and potential while sharing best practices across people, processes, technology, research, regulatory framework, legal policy, and governance.
Main Discussion Topics
The key topics discussed during the workshop include the expanding use of Aadhaar as a primary tool for identity verification in both online and offline modes under the SWIK rules (Social welfare, Innovation, and Knowledge), the development of Aadhaar as an international standard for digital identity, strengthening the privacy framework through the enactment of a Data Privacy Law, and the enhancement of biometric techniques in Aadhaar using Artificial Intelligence and deep learning.
About Aadhaar
Aadhaar is a 12-digit unique number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to all Indian residents who satisfy the established verification process. The enrolment process is entirely voluntary and free of cost, requiring minimal demographic and biometric information. Once enrolled and de-duplicated, an individual will hold one unique Aadhaar number.
Legal Framework for Aadhaar
In 2019, the Parliament passed the Aadhaar and Other Laws (Amendment) Act, which permits the voluntary use of Aadhaar as a proof of identity.
Benefits of Aadhaar
Aadhaar offers numerous benefits, including promoting transparency and good governance by providing a unique, verifiable online identity. This process eliminates duplication and fake identities, making it the primary identifier for various government welfare schemes. It particularly aids those without prior identity documentation and has played a significant role in facilitating financial inclusion, broadband and telecom services, and direct benefit transfers.
It is also noted that Aadhaar remains neutral as it does not profile people based on caste, religion, income, health, or geography, and it does not confer any right of citizenship or domicile to its holder. Moreover, Aadhaar serves as a strategic policy tool for social and financial inclusion, public sector delivery reforms, fiscal budget management, increase convenience, and promotes hassle-free, people-centric governance.
Conclusively, Aadhaar can serve as a permanent Financial Address, facilitating the financial inclusion of underprivileged and weaker sections of society, hence acting as a tool of distributive justice and equality.