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1. Objectives and Promises of Aadhaar

Aadhaar was introduced as a biometric-based system to provide unique identification for residents of India, aimed at promoting inclusion and reducing corruption in welfare schemes.

It supports mechanisms like Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), bypassing intermediaries to ensure subsidies reach beneficiaries directly.

2. Positive Impacts

Efficiency in Welfare Delivery: Aadhaar has streamlined processes by eliminating ghost beneficiaries and reducing duplication, particularly in schemes like the Public Distribution System (PDS) and the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA).

Financial Inclusion: It has facilitated access to financial services, especially in rural areas, through integration with bank accounts and mobile payments.

Transparency: The system has improved traceability and accountability in welfare programs, minimizing leakages.

3. Challenges and Criticisms

Exclusion Risks: Technical issues such as biometric authentication failures have led to denial of entitlements, disproportionately affecting marginalized groups.

Privacy Concerns: The centralization of sensitive personal data raises questions about data security and surveillance risks.

Limited Impact on Corruption: Studies suggest that Aadhaar’s role in reducing corruption is overstated, with exclusions often being misrepresented as savings.

Implementation Issues: Errors in linking Aadhaar to welfare schemes have resulted in the deletion of job cards and exclusion from benefits.

4. Ethical and Governance Issues

Ethical concerns arise from the potential misuse of biometric data for surveillance, undermining trust in the system.

Governance challenges include inadequate capacity-building for officials administering Aadhaar-linked schemes, leading to errors in implementation.

5. Socio-Economic Implications

Aadhaar has embedded itself into India's socio-economic fabric, influencing public service delivery and digital identity management.

Its impact on equity remains contested, with evidence showing it may exacerbate inequalities rather than alleviate them.

6. Recommendations for Improvement

Strengthen privacy protections and data security measures to address public distrust.

Enhance accessibility by addressing technical failures and ensuring inclusivity for vulnerable populations.

Improve governance frameworks through capacity-building programs for frontline workers involved in welfare delivery.