Aadhaar is a game-changer. It has become an important technological instrument to empower the poor and entitle them to get their benefits without any interruption or middlemen. In this pursuit, Aadhaar is concretising the most important objective of Digital India: leading to digital inclusion and empowering common Indians. It is a marvel of innovation that uses safe and secured technology seeking to subserve the other objective of digital India namely transformation based upon technology which is affordable, inclusive and developmental. Today, 119 crore Indians have Aadhaar in a population of nearly 130 crore. The coverage of adult population is nearly 99%. Today, Aadhaar stands tall as an Indian innovation, globally acknowledged as the world’s largest digital identity programme.

One needs to understand the power of a smile on the face of a poor MGNREGA worker who had to run from pillar to post to get his entitlements. Now with Aadhaar linkage, MGNREGA wages are directly reaching into the bank accounts of poor people without the extraneous influence of any middleman. It has been widely reported in the media that with Aadhaar linkage nearly 80,000 fake teachers were found in a very small survey of the Ministry of Human Resource Development. Aadhaar is saving public money, which in effect is tax payers’ money. The net savings of nearly Rs. 57,000 Crore generated by disconnecting the subsidy in case of fake gas connection or fictitious ration cards or fake teachers will be utilised for more provisions for poor. Is it not a cause to celebrate when transparency is shinning upon the shoulders of Aadhaar?

One basic difference in the Aadhaar of UPA and Aadhaar of NDA needs to be appreciated. UPA-era Aadhaar was without any legislative approval: without any backing by a Parliamentary law. The first thing the Narendra Modi government did apart from making Aadhaar robust, safe and secure was to give it the security of a proper legal cover backed by a Parliamentary legislation. It has ample provisions for safe upkeep, creating a robust accountability mechanism and most importantly, powerful privacy provisions. Unauthorised use of biometrics data by anyone beyond permissible limits can invite severe punitive damages as also criminal prosecution. The core biometrics — the fingerprints and the iris — are duly protected by strong encryption.

More than six crore authentications are being done every day, nearly free of cost. A marvel of technology confirms digital identity by comparing the query of a number by fast matching with the iris and the fingerprint. UIDAI does not maintain a database of services or utilities of individuals linked with Aadhaar or individual details such as caste, religion, educational qualifications, medical records etc. Therefore profiling of individuals based on Aadhaar is nothing but an unfounded claim.

Aadhaar is a digital identity to supplement physical identity. Even the core biometrics under the present law can be revealed only in case of a compelling ground of national security when a designated joint secretary to the government of India makes a request based upon appropriate ground and the same is vetted and confirmed by a committee headed by the Cabinet Secretary and comprising the Law Secretary and IT Secretary and that too for a very limited period.

As many as 76 crore bank accounts have been verified using Aadhaar eKYC and this only gives a digital identity to your account so that in case of abuse for money laundering or terror funding, the ownership of the account cannot be denied. Ordinary citizens have nothing to worry but those who are involved in money laundering, patronising or promoting terror funding or other related heinous offences may have a lot to worry.

Some form of digital identity has become a common practice in today’s world. From motor vehicle licence to a voter id card containing all the details being routinely available on websites of respective authorities these days. A digital identity regulates entry in the Supreme Court or High Courts or government and corporate offices or media headquarters. To visit certain countries, one is supposed to confirm identity through fingerprints either for obtaining the visa or for any other purpose. Under the relevant Registration Act and Rules there are provisions that while executing land transfer documents you need to confirm your signature with your thumb impression — a practice being followed for more than 100 years. Even smartphones operate with fingerprints or face-recognition systems. One is curious to note that in all this, one does not have any objection but when it comes to Aadhaar serious objections relating to identity verifications are raised.

The government is of the view that in accordance with the Aadhaar Act, no poor person shall be denied his or her entitlement. Whether it is food or other entitlements it must be provided using other identity documents and effort shall be made to bring them on Aadhaar.

On the issue of privacy we need to have greater clarity. In the wake of the Supreme Court judgment now the ground rule of privacy is well laid out. It is equally important to note that under the garb of privacy innovation cannot be killed. India is becoming a global hub of startups. Data is important for innovation and India has the potential to emerge as a big global centre of data analysis: the new exciting frontier of technological innovation, economy and employment. Artificial intelligence and IoT have great potential for innovation by using data. Most important, the plea of privacy cannot become the shield of the corrupt and terrorists. The government has already set up a panel under the leadership of an eminent retired judge of the Supreme Court Justice Srikrishna, to recommend for a robust data protection law and we expect the report soon.

However, it needs to be reiterated that the Aadhaar ecosystem, as far as safety and security of the core biometrics is concerned, is very safe and reliable and is subject to regular audits by experts. The UIDAI has recently added another feather in its cap by making provision for virtual ID for those who desire virtual ID coverage over Aadhaar numbers.

The success of Aadhaar is finding its resonance world over. The World Development Report 2016 released by the World Bank stated, “A digital identification system such as India’s Aadhaar, by overcoming complex information problems, helps willing governments promote the inclusion of disadvantaged groups.”

The poor man is happy and feels empowered. Aadhaar has given a big aadhaar (base) to India’s digital accomplishments. It is time to recognise its worth.

Source: http://www.hindustantimes.com/analysis/aadhaar-has-built-a-strong-base-for-india-s-digital-achievements/story-FdH9dgLuRF9tM4C9oNp1eJ.html

Passengers travelling on iconic Chennai Central- Mysuru – Chennai Central Shatabdi Express can hope for a new experience from Friday with the Southern Railway launching a new high-end ‘Anubhuti’ coach on the busy route.

The coach made at a cost of nearly Rs 3 crore by Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Perambur, exclusively for Shatabdi Express across the country, would cater to passengers with aeroplane-like facilities.

A. Suresh, coaching depot officer, Basin bridge, said that the swanky Anubhuti coach will have executive seating with infotainment screens attached to every seat and a user-friendly snack table and comfortable seat-reclining facility.

Executive passengers who frowned over touching facilities in train toilets also can limber up, as the toilets of the Anubhuti coach are equipped with hands-free faucet system. “The doors of the coach are automated and sensor-enabled. The doors will offer a star-hotel like an experience to the passengers,” A. Suresh added.

Other USPs (unique selling proposition) of the Anubhuti coach are infotainments screens and call bell facilities. “If a passenger needs someone to attend, he can press the call bell on top of his head. An attendee will serve his call like the ones in an aeroplane. All the seats of the coach are also attached to infotainment screens,” Suresh said.

Even though the passengers will not be allowed to insert a pen-drive or SD card and watch videos of their own, Southern Railway is mulling to buy copyrights of some Hollywood and Bollywood films. “We have installed a centralised hard-disk in the coach. For now, videos of Southern Railway (infotainment videos) will be available. More videos will be added soon,”he added.

Meanwhile, the infotainment screen, in its music menu has audio files of Prime Minister Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ speeches.

Meanwhile, the Southern Railway, in a press release said that the coach would be augmented to Chennai Central- Mysuru – Chennai Central Shatabdi Express from Friday and bookings are open. Although the train numbers are 12007 and 12008, passengers have to use 22007 and 22008 to book tickets in Anubhuti coach.

It is also learnt that ICF had manufactured 10 Anubhuti coaches for Northern Railway. “Of the 10 coaches, 2 have been allotted to the Southern Railway. One of the two coaches will be augmented to Chennai Central- Mysuru – Chennai Central Shatabdi Express. The other coach will be added later,” Suresh said.

Patronage high for Shatabdi Express
Connecting capitals of two states, the Shatabdi Express has witnessed overwhelming patronage during 2017.

Even though Bengaluru Express, Brindavan Express, Kaveri Express and Lalbhag Express are running between Chennai and Bengaluru, the Shatabdi Express on either route witnessed more than 100 per cent patronage across the year, according to a Southern Railway official.

Source: https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/in-other-news/120118/enjoy-flight-like-luxury-in-chennai-mysuru-shatabdi.html

South Central Railway (SCR) General Manager Vinod Kumar Yadav said on Tuesday that the South Central Railway will develop Tirupati railway station at a cost of Rs 400 crore to reduce congestion and enhance passenger amenities in the railway station.

He further said the Railways had adequate funds for construction of rail-over bridges, foot-over-bridges, escalators and lifts in the railway station. He said the SCR was receiving representations from the people and political leaders in this regard.

After the completion of meeting with MPs from the State, the General Manager addressed a media conference here. He said Tirupati railway station would be developed in an area of six lakh square feet at a cost of Rs 400 crore to transform it into a world-class railway station. He said one more platform would be built at the railway station to meet the rush of passengers.

He said the SCR would construct 200 foot-over bridges, 100 lifts in the railway stations in SCR zone. He said that 58 rail-over bridges were under various stages of construction and the department is ready to construct the ROBs as per the needs of the people. He said the railways is giving priority to improve passenger amenities like construction of lifts, escalators etc.

Referring to the development of Vijayawada railway station building, he said proposals are underway to give the land for lease for 90 years as the applicants are not coming forward for the proposed 40 years lease.

Giving details of Bhadrachalam-Kovuru railway line, he said the Railways would be holding discussions with Telangana government to acquire land for construction of the line.

Referring to Nadikudi-Srikalahasti railway line, the General Manager said the 30-km line would be opened by the end of March 2018. He said the railway department was holding discussions with the State government to sort out problems pertaining to the Pithapuram-Kakinda railway line.

Source: http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Andhra-Pradesh/2018-01-10/Tirupati-to-be-developed-as-world-class-railway-station/351139

With an “ambitious government undertaking comprehensive reforms”, India has “enormous growth potential” compared to other emerging economies, the World Bank said on Wednesday, as it projected country’s growth rate to 7.3 per cent in 2018 and 7.5 for the next two years.
India, despite initial setbacks from demonetization and Goods and Services Tax (GST), is estimated to have grown at 6.7 percent in 2017, according to the 2018 Global Economics Prospect released by the World Bank here today.

“In all likelihood India is going to register higher growth rate than other major emerging market economies in the next decade. So, I wouldn’t focus on the short-term numbers. I would look at the big picture for India and big picture is telling us that it has enormous potential,” Ayhan Kose, Director, Development Prospects Group, World Bank, told PTI in an interview.

He said in comparison with China, which is slowing, the World Bank is expecting India to gradually accelerate.

“The growth numbers of the past three years were very healthy,” Kose, author of the report, said.

In 2017, China grew at 6.8 per cent, 0.1 per cent more than that of India, while in 2018, its growth rate is projected at 6.4 per cent. And in the next two years, the country’s growth rate will drop marginally to 6.3 and 6.2 per cent, respectively.

To materialise its potential, India, Kose said, needs to take steps to boost investment prospects.

There are measures under way to do in terms of non-performing loans and productivity, he said.

“On the productivity side, India has enormous potential with respect to secondary education completion rate. All in all, improved labor market reforms, education and health reforms as well as relaxing investment bottleneck will help improve India’s prospects,” Kose said.

Noting that India has a favourable demographic profile, he said it is rarely seen in other economies.

“In that context, improving female labour force participation rate is going to be important. Female labour force participation still remains low relative to other emerging market economies. Bringing force right now idle outside of the productive activities will make a huge difference,” he said.

Reducing youth unemployment is critical, and pushing for private investment, where problems are already well-known like bank assets quality issues…If these are done, India can reach its potential easily and exceed, Kose asserted.

“In fact, we expect India to do better than its potential in 2018 and move forward,” he said.

India’s growth potential, he said, would be around 7 per cent for the next 10 years.

The Indian government is “very serious” with GST being a major turning point and banking recapitalisation programme is really important, Kose said.

“The Indian government has already recognise some of these problems and undertaking measures and willing to see the outcomes of these measures,” he said.

“India is a very large economy. It has a huge potential. At the same time, it has its own challenges. This government is very much aware of these challenges and is showing just doing its best in terms of dealing with them,” the World Bank official said.

The latest World Bank growth estimate for 2017 is 0.5 per cent, less than the previous projection, and 0.2 per cent less in the next two years.

“It is slightly lower than its previous forecast, primarily because India is undertaking major reforms,” Kose said.

These reforms, of course, will bring certain policy uncertainty, he said, “but the big issue about India, when you look at India’s growth potential and our numbers down the road 2019 and 2020, is that it is going to be the fastest growing large emerging market.”

“India has an ambitious government undertaking comprehensive reforms. GST is a major reform to have harmonised taxes, is one nation one market one tax concept. Then, of course, the late 2016 demonetisation reform was there. The government is well aware of these short-term implications,” Kose said.

He said there might have been some temporary disruptions but “all in all” the Indian economy has done well.

“The potential growth rate of the Indian economy is very healthy to 7 per cent. I think the growth is going to be at a high rate going forward,” the World Bank official said.

The big question is whether Indian policymakers would, under the necessary reforms, push its potential growth up, Kose said.

“So far we have seen ambitious policy initiatives and implementation like GST. And we have all the reasons to expect this government to continue economic policies to create friendly environment for businesses and push its growth potential up,” he said.

This is due in part to the effects of the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax, but also to protracted balance sheet weaknesses, including corporate debt burdens and non-performing loans in the banking sector, weighing down private investment, it said.

Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/world-bank-says-india-has-huge-potential-projects-7-3-growth-in-2018/articleshow/62436639.cms
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All railway stations — nearly 8,500 across the country, including those in rural and remote areas — will be equipped with Wi-Fi facilities at an estimated cost of Rs 700 crore ($110 million).

As part of the government’s ambitious Digital India initiative, the national transporter has currently commissioned Wi-Fi services at 216 major stations enabling about seven million rail passengers to log on to the free Internet facility.

“Internet access has now become an important requirement in day-to-day working and we shall be providing this facility at all railway stations in the country,” a senior Railway Ministry official said.

As per the plan finalised at a recent meeting, while 1,200 stations have been identified for this facility to primarily cater to rail passengers, about 7,300 stations have been earmarked to not only serve passengers but also local people in rural and remote areas.

The Wi-FI facility at these stations in rural and remote areas will be offered to the local population as part of the digital makeover of rural India to promote e-governance.

Railway stations in rural areas will have kiosks with Wi-FI that will become digital hot spots offering services like digital banking, Aadhaar generation, issuing government certificates.including birth and death certificates, and filing taxes and paying bills, among others.

The kiosks will also enable the local populace to order and receive goods from e-commerce portals.

“These kiosks will be operated at stations with private participation for the local population,” said the official, adding, “The modalities of setting up such digital hot spots are being worked out with the Telecom Ministry.”

As per the timeline, while 600 stations are targeted to be provided with the Wi-FI facility by March 2018, the Railways aim to cover all 8,500 stations by March 2019.

Our aim is to ensure that more and more people get connected to the rail Wi-FI system as the Wi-Fi broadband access to these rail users will aid in implementing the government’s Digital India initiative, he said.

Source:  https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/railways/indian-railways-to-equip-all-8500-stations-with-wi-fi/articleshow/62402303.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst