Adhar a myth

The experience with identity cards in the United Kingdom tells us that Mr. Blair's marketing of the scheme was from a

platform of myths. First, he stated that enrolment for cards would be “voluntary”. Second, he argued that the card

would reduce leakages from the National Health System and other entitlement programmes; David Blunkett even

called it not an “identity card,” but an “entitlement card.” Third, Mr. Blair argued that the card would protect citizens

from “terrorism” and “identity fraud.” For this, the biometric technology was projected as infallible.

The Indian discourse around Aadhaar is remarkably similar. Almost identical arguments are forwarded in support of

the project to provide a population of over one billion people with UID numbers. I argue that Aadhaar, just as its failed

counterpart in the U.K., is promoted from a platform of myths. Here, there is space for three big myths only.