This is an excerpt from chapter - Data 'mis-entry' - of my first book Decoding Indian Babudom.....


Data 'mis-entry'


Both the central and state governments run different schemes for people’s welfare. People also need to get certain official IDs/documents to get access to a host of government services.



For instance, Aadhaar (the 12-digit unique number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India or the UIDAI) has been made (*almost) mandatory for people for a large number of schemes/facilities.



Aadhaar is needed for getting a bank account opened and for passport application, among other services.



Similarly, a Permanent Account Number (PAN) issued by the Income Tax department is required for opening a Demat account (short for dematerialization account for holding stock market securities), filing of returns, purchase of property and for doing other financial transactions.



An Elector Photo Identity Card (EPIC) is issued by the Election Commission of India for eligible voters.



An identity card is also issued for eligible beneficiaries of the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS).



Such identity cards or documents issued by the government entities are needed by most of the individuals for work, investment, identification, address proof or foreign travel.


To be continued....