NAC members want talks on UID project…….Prasad Nichenametla
Even as the target dates for issuance of first lot of UID numbers are stretching, the opposition to the Nandan Nilekani-led plan is increasing.
After protests from NGOs and prominent individuals opposed to the authority they say is violating rights and provisions of the Constitution, some National Advisory Council members want a discussion and approval of the system before it can go into the public.
According to a member, the issue was supposed to be taken up in NAC on Monday but can be taken up in the next meet.
There is no real informed debate on the project which has enormous potential of segregating the population (based on few parameters). It is a matter concerning people at largepublic money being spent to profile common public,a member told HT adding the opinion is shared by some more people in the council.
Inapetition sent to thePrime Minister,UPAchairpersonand heads of government, acoalition of morethan 100 NGOs, demanded scrapping of the project with immediate effect.
UID violates basic rights to equality, dignity, privacy,expression and the right not to be discriminated against
it could be potentially discriminatory in a nation wherecaste identityis the most predominant sociopoliticomarker,the letter said.
It also called theappointment of Nilekani and functioning of UIDas non-transparent, influencedbyvestedcorporateinterests.The coalition nowproposes to takethecampaigninto the public.The activists opposedto linkingUIDwith the decennial census, said would considerboycotting theprocess.
Thereisvast difference betweencensusandUID.Without explaining what it means MoUs arebeing entered with privatecompanies. Theysay UIDwould reformsystems like PDS, but no detail of howitwill is available in the public domain,activist Aruna Roy said.