Computerworld Honors 2013: ID program empowers citizens in India (Computerworld)
An estimated 400 million Indians cannot prove their identity. As a result, they’re shut out of countless opportunities. They cannot access educational programs, open a bank account, apply for welfare benefits or seek higher-level employment. Lack of identification is also problematic for the government, because as much as 40% of the $40 billion it directs yearly toward helping these individuals doesn’t reach the intended beneficiaries.
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Aadhaar is more than a technology program that collects biometric data from residents. It is a transformative initiative that will allow all Indian residents the opportunity to participate more fully in society.