What’s the use of a unique ID, Mr Nandan Nilekani?

They had misgivings. They questioned. He answered.

It all happened as Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) chairman Nandan Nilekani interacted with villagers in Chelur, in Tumkur district.

Nilekani paid a surprise visit to inspect the pilot works of the AADHAR project and fielded a raft of queries from villagers. They asked: What is the use of AADHAR? How is it different from a voter ID or a ration card?

Chelur is the first village in Karnataka where UIDAI has begun the enumeration of citizens. Biometric data (eyes and fingers) of adults will be recorded to study the efficiency of the equipment used for the project.

Nilekani told the villagers that the unique identity number would ensure that none would steal their identity. “It can make the process of getting a bank loan all the more faster and simpler.”

When another villager asked whether the number could come handy in daily life, Nilekani was taken aback for a while. Soon he replied: “It is necessary and easier for your transactions in the bank, including at times when you want to get a loan from there.”