Parliament passed the controversial Aadhaar Bill, 2016, after acrimonious debates in both Houses. Hours after the Opposition succeeded in pushing through five amendments to the Bill in the Rajya Sabha, they were rejected in the Lok Sabha.
Only the President’s signature is now required for the bill to become law, which will enable the government to reset the subsidy regime and deliver state benefits directly to their intended beneficiaries, plugging leakages.
Key Points
The money will go into the bank or post-office accounts of beneficiaries linked to the 12-digit biometric identity number provided by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).
Key digital and social security schemes of the government are critically dependent on the use of Aadhaar, which will help better targeting of beneficiaries for delivery of subsidies, budgeted at Rs.2.5 trillion in the next fiscal year. It will also be key to India managing its transition to a cashless economy.
Amendments Suggested By RS
The opposition has voiced concerns that the privacy of individuals may be compromised by Aadhaar and that a provision that allows the government to access the biometric information in cases pertaining to national security may be misused.
The amendments to the bill moved by Congress MP Jairam Ramesh sought to replace the term ‘national security’ with ‘public emergency and public safety’ and limit the use of Aadhaar to delivery of subsidies. He also suggested that the use of Aadhaar be made optional so that subsidies can be accessed even without the unique identity number.
He also sought removal of a clause that allows private agencies to use Aadhaar.
Background
The lower House passed the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) bill, 2016, as a money bill.
A money bill cannot be rejected by the Rajya Sabha, which can only suggest changes the Lok Sabha is free to reject.
Current Affairs 16th March, 2016 Highlights of Union Budget 2016-17 Highlights of Railway Budget 2016
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