Friday, June 24, 2011

India ID spurs development

It is important to realize that India's UID effort is an institution building project.
The Aadhar platform intends to offer a unique identification for every citizen (Times of India). But its utility extends beyond identification, as it will potentially enable citizens to gain greater access to public services and empower the marginalized to seek their rights.
Not only will it enable greater access to public services, which is obviously a good thing. It is perhaps far more important that it will enable access to private services. Try getting a loan without a legally recognized identity. One can't even write a check (spend your own money with more efficiency and security) without one.

A unique individual identity establishing each individual Indian as a legal entity is a necessary precondition for the country's development.