Two parallel run schemes of the Government, viz the Adhar card and NPR, one of voluntary and the other as compulsory, have led to debates at national levels and also litigations. On merits , discuss whether or not both schemes need to run concurrently. Analyse the potential of the schemes to achieve development benefits and equitable growth.
Two parallel run schemes of the Government, viz the Adhar card and NPR, one of voluntary and the other as compulsory, have led to debates at national levels and also litigations. On merits , discuss whether or not both schemes need to run concurrently. Analyse the potential of the schemes to achieve development benefits and equitable growth.
Subject: Social Justice
The coexistence of Aadhaar and National Population Register (NPR) as parallel identification systems has sparked significant debate regarding their necessity, efficiency, and impact on citizens' rights and development goals.
Merits of Running Both Schemes Concurrently
Complementary Functions:
- Aadhaar focuses on unique biometric identification for service delivery, while NPR maintains comprehensive demographic data for policy planning.
- NPR captures citizenship details essential for national security, which Aadhaar doesn't address.
Enhanced Data Accuracy:
- Cross-verification between systems helps identify discrepancies and reduce errors.
- Strengthens the integrity of welfare delivery mechanisms through dual verification.
Challenges of Concurrent Implementation
Resource Duplication:
- The estimated cost of NPR and Census exceeds ₹12,000 crore, while significant resources are already invested in Aadhaar infrastructure.
- Operational redundancies create unnecessary administrative burden.
Public Confusion:
- Dual registration requirements create confusion among citizens.
- The Supreme Court's 2018 ruling limiting Aadhaar's scope has created implementation challenges.
Development Benefits and Equitable Growth Potential
Aadhaar's Impact:
- 95.5% population coverage enables efficient welfare delivery.
- 136.65 crore Aadhaar cards issued by March 2023 demonstrate widespread adoption.
- Facilitates financial inclusion through e-KYC transactions (1470.22 crore by March 2023).
NPR's Contribution:
- Aids evidence-based policymaking through demographic data.
- Supports targeted intervention in underserved areas.
- Enables better resource allocation for development programs.
Challenges in Achieving Equitable Growth:
- Privacy concerns and data security issues.
- Exclusion of marginalized communities due to technological barriers.
- Implementation gaps affecting service delivery.
The integration of Digital India initiatives with these identification systems, while maintaining distinct objectives, can foster inclusive growth through targeted interventions and efficient service delivery. However, streamlining processes and addressing privacy concerns remains crucial for maximizing development benefits.
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