-The Hindu The architects of the unique identification scheme are yet to provide satisfactory answers to concerns about data security The Aadhaar scheme of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is to provide India’s billion-plus people with a unique identification number. Enrolment is not mandatory, though it was mentioned that it would be difficult for people to access public services if not done. The scheme requires individuals to provide their photograph,...

-The Hindu Sivaganga offers plenty of scope for work under MGNREGS Sivaganga: For Ramaiyu, a 62-year-old widow and Nagajothi, a young pregnant woman, the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) has provided economic independence and the confidence to face life amid poverty. Hailing from Thondur village, they were among more than 200 women engaged in de-silting the Singathuraipatti Oorani in Melayur Panchayat of Ilayankudi block under the MGNREGS. The aged widow enrolled...

-The Hoot The media welcomed the UID's promise of giving an identity to those outside the system, but has failed to track its failure to do so. On January 1, the Indian government announced roll out of its ambitious cash transfer scheme  in 20 districts of the country based on unique identification (UID), also called Aadhaar. The media, while presenting the pros and cons of cash transfer, also mentioned that...

-The Hindustan Times An anonymous letter — written on behalf of Delhi Police personnel over the ‘unfairness’ of forgoing a day’s salary for their recently slain colleague, constable Subhash Chand Tomar — warned senior officers of a potential rebellion within its ranks on Monday afternoon, sources claimed. A statement released by Delhi Police on December 25 stated that one day’s salary of all police personnel would be donated to the family...

-The Business Standard Reetika Khera Professor, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi* “Aadhaar is being made de facto compulsory for welfare schemes. With two-thirds without Aadhaar, they are bound to be denied entitlements” There are three components of the government’s direct benefit transfer scheme — computerisation, extending banking services and linking the benefits with Aadhaar. The real game-changers are the first two, whereas Aadhaar-enabled transfers carry the risk of excluding current beneficiaries. The Central government has...