Nandan Nilekani: Have created better, stronger Aadhaar together

The architect of Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), Nandan Nilekani expressed his happiness on the Supreme Court verdict of Aadhaar and said that the SC has unequivocally validated the founding principles for Aadhaar. He also stated that through the democratic process of discussion and debate, we have created a better and stronger Aadhaar together

Sharing his opinion n the verdict, he took to Twitter and wrote, “This is a landmark judgement in favour of #Aadhaar. More than just opining on the constitutionality of the act, the SC has unequivocally validated the founding principles for Aadhaar. Aadhaar is a unique identity project that is critical to the developmental goals of the nation.”

This is a landmark judgement in favour of #Aadhaar. More than just opining on the constitutionality of the act, the SC has unequivocally validated the founding principles for Aadhaar. Aadhaar is a unique identity project that is critical to the developmental goals of the nation.

— Nandan Nilekani (@NandanNilekani) September 26, 2018

He further added, “Aadhaar includes, it doesn’t exclude. The resident was once again recognised as being at the heart of the project, and they have gained new rights that help them assert their ownership over their data. Aadhaar has undergone the ultimate scrutiny in the highest court, and a lot of recommendations have been incorporated. Through the democratic process of discussion and debate, we have created a better and stronger Aadhaar together.”

Current CEO of UIDAI, Ajay Bhushan too supported the judgement in favour of Aadhaar. He said, “It is 4:1 judgement in favour of Aadhaar. The court has declared Aadhaar constitutionally valid. It is a money bill. It can be used for pan card. It empowers poor and marginalised section. Aadhaar can be used for subsidies and government schemes so that there is no leakage of government funds. It can be used for income tax so that tax evasion and black money can be curbed.”

Terming the verdict as a “victory”, Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) CEO Ajay Bhushan Pandey said the 4:1 apex court judgement announced is in favour of Aadhaar. “It is 4:1 judgement in favour of Aadhaar. The court has declared Aadhaar constitutionally valid. It is a money bill. It can be used for pan card. It empowers poor and marginalised section. Aadhaar can be used for subsidies and government schemes so that there is no leakage of government funds. It can be used for income tax so that tax evasion and black money can be curbed,” Pandey said.

Announcing the verdict on Aadhaar, the Supreme Court had observed that the Aadhaar card would not be mandatory in private companies anymore. Striking down article 57 of the Aadhaar Card Act, the bench directed private companies, including banks and mobile companies to not to ask for Aadhaar details. The bench announced the verdict based on the petitioners’ arguments, supported by proofs, which the government could not defend completely. The petitioners include — Magsaysay awardee Shanta Sinha, feminist researcher Kalyani Sen Menon, social activists Aruna Roy, Nikhil De, Nachiket Udupa and CPI leader Binoy Visman.

ALSO READ: Aadhaar verdict: Both BJP, Congress claim victories before reading judgement