The Case of SIR, Pg11.

Key Highlights:

• Concerns raised over illegal immigrants obtaining Aadhaar and entering electoral rolls.
• Idea of National Identity Card first mooted in 2002 by PM Vajpayee and HM Advani.
• UIDAI formed in 2009; Aadhaar launched in 2010 for all residents without distinguishing citizens from non-citizens.
• CAG reports (2020, 2021) highlighted serious issues: poor quality of enrolment, lack of verification, and duplication.
• Aadhaar Act 2016 introduced, but problems of enrolment through private agencies persisted.
• Government push for a Statutory Identity Register (SIR) to clearly separate citizens from residents.

Detailed Insights:

• Security risks: Non-citizens obtaining Aadhaar weakens national security and threatens electoral integrity.
• Policy evolution: From 2002 National Identity Card proposal → 2009 UIDAI formation → 2010 Aadhaar rollout → 2016 Aadhaar Act.
• Governance gaps: Early Aadhaar enrolment allowed large-scale entry of undocumented migrants without due diligence.
• CAG findings: UIDAI unable to confirm uniqueness of identity; failed to distinguish between citizens vs residents.
• Political implications: Aadhaar’s flaws used for electoral gains; risks of illegal migrants influencing voter demographics.
• Way forward: A Statutory Identity Register (SIR) is necessary to ensure clean electoral rolls, secure governance, and fair democratic processes.

Scientific/Technical Concepts Involved:

• Aadhaar: A 12-digit unique ID number issued by UIDAI based on biometric and demographic data, originally to all residents.
• UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India): Statutory body under Aadhaar Act, 2016 managing Aadhaar enrolments and authentication.
• Statutory Identity Register (SIR): Proposed framework distinguishing citizens from residents, ensuring secure electoral rolls.