Digital revolution

The benefits of the much-touted information technology revolution has started percolating to the lower stratas of the society. The initiative of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Kerala to issue digital ration cards to the poorest among the poor has the ability of transforming their life. It will ensure that poor families get access to government relief through poverty alleviation programmes. Southern states have always taken the lead in pushing India’s IT revolution, so it is hardly surprising that Karnataka has become the first state to begin issuing these cards. Digititising ration cards will help curb malpractices in the public distribution system. It will also create considerable savings for state exchequers. With these smart cards holding biometric features of family members, the government will also be able generate accurate data about BPL families and ensure that essential commodities and subsidies reach downtrodden people.
Earlier, Andhra Pradesh had launched an ambitious project in Kuppam when N Chandrababu Nai­du was at the helm. The project offered e-governme­nt services for land records, birth and death registration and bill payments, connectivity to local schools, colleges and hospitals, youth educational services and vocational training through direct and distance learning, and health and agriculture services.
Now, prime minister Manmohan Singh has la­unched the Unique Identification Authority of India with former Infosys chief Nandan Nilekani as its head. Most of the poor and downtrodden sections in Indian society lack identity documents. The unique identity card will be the first form of identification they have access to. The UIDAI plans to ensure that the norms followed to enroll people doesn’t become a barrier for enrolling the poor. The authority is devising suitable procedures to ensure their inclusion without compromising the integrity of the data. It’s time we give the IT sector its due.