Making the Poor Free?: India's Unique Identification Number

The proposed monograph evaluates the impact of Unique Identification (UID) number programme (also called the Aadhar programme) initiated by the Government of India. The UID programme is aimed at making it easier for Indian citizens to avail the benefits of government-sponsored services and development schemes. The author examines how the UID can help the masses of India, especially the rural poor, by reducing corruption and promoting greater financial inclusivity. Positing the theoretical framework of 'governmentality' by the French philosopher Michel Foucault, the author critically analyses the current Indian scenario and maintains that while the Aadhaar programme's contribution in the implementation of several schemes, such as the public distribution system, The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, or other initiatives in education or public health sectors could only be modest, it will indeed create a platform for 'financial inclusion' of the poor-providing them easy access to the formal financial mechanism. In fifteen chapters covering the evolution of different schemes of the Indian government that have, over the years, sought to provide identification; enrolment to and functioning of Aadhar; the Unique Identification Authority of India; and the legal framework involved in the process, this volume is an in-depth analysis of this unique and controversial programme in India.