Aadhaar in Indian Big Data Context
The era of Big Data has commenced in India. Source of this data collection is all of 1.2 billion Indian citizens. Collection and analysis of their biometry is creating a repository. As we know that big data is extremely large data sets that may be analysed computationally to reveal patterns, trends, and associations, especially relating to human behaviour and interactions. By bringing the Aadhaar format under the purview of Big Data, the society can be brought under one whole system where the government can monitor, supervise the actions and conditions of its citizens. Benefits could be provided where required; restrictions could be imposed in cases of necessity and so on. This data could also be used by big business houses, media, NGOs for further usage. But needless to say, this humongous data also needs to be secured and immune to hackers for damage prevention.
Aadhaar: Big Data in Indian Social Healthcare Context
Out of the 1.2 billion population, around 70% are living in villages, slums and highly unhygienic conditions. There are more of illiterate than literates, more inequality than equality. If the potential of Aadhaar can be harnessed properly, then the identity of Indians so brought online in government records would impact the future of the democratic functioning. This entire exercise that has generated data can make it tougher for individuals to evade taxes in the future. Aadhaar data from the healthcare department can be used to revamp the public health system, implement proper rate of taxation corresponding to income levels, make provision of subsidy through PDS and so on. This programme with its hundreds of millions of data points can be mined for policy formulation and implementation. The government’s Open Government Data portal is a significant step, with thousands of data sets available regarding everything from health to agriculture.
Aadhaar: Big Data in Indian Financial Sector
To financial service providers, the Aadhaar project gives an enormous opportunity to extend financial inclusion to the poorest citizens of India. Every citizen enrolled for a Aadhaar can consent to providing his/her information to be used for opening a bank account. As a fully legitimate substitute for KYC regulations, a Aadhaar ensures that the cost and effort of customer acquisition process is drastically reduced.
Aadhaar: Big Data in Indian Education
From education perspective aadhaar can also act as an enabling tool for Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act. Currently, the Primary Education System faces inflated enrollment figures at the elementary school level. The effects of this inflated enrollment include lack of books, meals, scholarships, and uniforms. Aadhaar based system would allow the government of India to accurately assess enrollment needs across all areas. Multiple enrollment would be eliminated, and Aadhaar portability would ensure that migrant children are admitted to schools in various districts.
Aadhaar-Big Data in Public Distribution
Aadhaar could also insert greater accountability into the supply chain, and enable farmers to have access to information on grain requirements, and better manage distribution and storage. By having specific information on who and how many people need what types of food aid and where they are located, the government could assess the supply and demand curve.
Big Data in Indian Social Context
Big Data is characterized by its volume, veracity and velocity. The comptroller and auditor general’s Big Data management policy and its establishment of the Centre for Data Management and Analytics are positive signs as they show that such issues are on the radar. It shares data across ministries and departments, with the public at large. It signifies: changing policy making structures and processes, continuously re-evaluating and restructuring policies based on the feedback generated by new data from on the ground results to public opinion.
Big Data Ethics in Indian Context
While Big Data can and should be used to inform policy making, the biases and motives of the political process that guide its usage should not be forgotten. If used judiciously, this process will lead to a better, economically sound society. But it is only the beginning of a long process.
