UPSC Mains 2014 · GS II · Q15 · 12.5 marks · 200 words

Two parallel run schemes of the Government, viz. the Adhaar Card and NPR, one as voluntary and the other as compulsory, have led to debates at national levels and also litigations. On merits, discuss whether or not both schemes need run concurrently. Analyse the potential of the schemes to achieve developmental benefits and equitable growth.

हिन्दी में

सरकार की दो समांतर चलाई जा रही योजनाओं, यथा 'आधार कार्ड' और 'राष्ट्रीय जनसंख्या रजिस्टर' (एन.पी.आर.), एक स्वैच्छिक और दूसरी अनिवार्य, ने राष्ट्रीय स्तरों पर वाद-विवादों और मुकदमों को जन्म दिया है। गुणों-अवगुणों के आधार पर चर्चा कीजिए कि क्या दोनों योजनाओं को साथ-साथ चलाना आवश्यक है या नहीं है। इन योजनाओं की विकासात्मक लाभों और न्यायोचित संवृद्धि को प्राप्त करने की संभाव्यता का विश्लेषण कीजिये।

E-GovernanceWelfare Schemes

How a topper answered the closest question

Toppers wrote this one in a test series: “. "Aadhaar has revolutionised service delivery and reduced corruption, yet is grappling with systemic flaws, data breaches, and the potential for exclusion of marginalized sections." Discuss.”

ApsaraAIR 192 · CSE 2024 · 145 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening · a definition

Aadhaar is a 12 digit unique identification number, plays a major role in governance process.

Body · points and prose

Role of Aadhaar :

Diagram
- Aadhaar - Cost-efficient service delivery - Beneficiary identification - Reduces intermediaries - Reduced corruption - Effective & efficient

Eg→ Aadhaar based Direct Benefit Transfer in Public distribution system → Wage payment for MGNREGA workers

Thus Aadhaar has major role in identification of individuals & it is voluntary in nature.

Underlying issues :

  1. Collection of biometric data and risks on data leaks.
  2. Fear of infringement into 'Right to privacy' Article 21.
  3. Potential for exclusion of marginalised without proper data collection.
  4. Issue of ghost beneficiaries without any proper evaluation on ground.

Way Forward :

  1. Management of data with proper data protection framework.
  2. Identification of intended beneficiaries with help of panchayats.
  3. Strong framework to be adopted against cyber attack.

Close · a way forward

'Aadhaar' is a positive step that revolutionised public service delivery & robust data protection framework is the need of the hour.

How toppers approach this question, and more on its topic: open the question.

Toppers’ answers to other close questions

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination 2014, General Studies Paper II, Q15. The paper on upsc.gov.in. Themes and links to toppers’ answers are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.