This last week, I've been talking to friends, colleagues and others - trying to understand what they think about the Aadhaar (UID) Project. Here is what I found.
1. No two people think of UID the same way.
All have heard some good things and some bad. No one has the time or patience to go into detail. So they are ready to form a summary impression based on how reliable they think the sources are.
2. Most people are apprehensive about UID.
Distrust of the government in general, as well as the widespread negative publicity seems to have played a role here.
3. Nearly all of them are willing to revise their opinion.
Even those who are emphatic in denouncing the UID are willing to reconsider when I tell them that I support the UID Project. But now they are a bit unsure of whom to believe... apparently reliable anti-UID spokespersons, or apparently reliable yours-truly?
This gives me hope. Here is why.
Where there is dark, throwing light usually gives good results. Once we recognize that even educated folks haven't quite understood all aspects of the project, we have an actionable. Educate. Explain. Clarify. As people understand, the hitherto irrational fear of the unknown gives way to well-founded objections. Not surprisingly, such objections can only result in progress.
Credibility is apparently a key problem. While all opponents sound credible; the only defense seems to come from largely untrusted government folks. Here again is an actionable. Bring credible supporters to the fore.
Most of the arguments have lacked real depth. Accusers have apparently gone largely unchallenged on critical assumptions. Fortunately, in-depth analyses and debates can address this. Here again is an actionable that is not insurmountable. The only challenge is to keep the debates grounded on reason - not rhetoric.
I have been working long-enough in the eGovernance area to know how difficult it is to conceptualize and execute a good project. I've been outspoken enough (including in these blogs) for people to know that my views are unaffected by official positions and extraneous considerations. I am unwilling to give up on a golden opportunity to do something good for the country, in the form of the UID Project.
A few friends and I have decided to come together and work on these action items. Spread more awareness. Put our reputations at stake. Engage in real debates.
Come talk to us. Engage in a dialog with us (by commenting here and by email, to begin with). If we can address your concerns, just express your support. It won't cost you anything. But just by participating, you can make a huge difference for our country - even if you don't agree with us.
1. No two people think of UID the same way.
All have heard some good things and some bad. No one has the time or patience to go into detail. So they are ready to form a summary impression based on how reliable they think the sources are.
2. Most people are apprehensive about UID.
Distrust of the government in general, as well as the widespread negative publicity seems to have played a role here.
3. Nearly all of them are willing to revise their opinion.
Even those who are emphatic in denouncing the UID are willing to reconsider when I tell them that I support the UID Project. But now they are a bit unsure of whom to believe... apparently reliable anti-UID spokespersons, or apparently reliable yours-truly?
This gives me hope. Here is why.
Where there is dark, throwing light usually gives good results. Once we recognize that even educated folks haven't quite understood all aspects of the project, we have an actionable. Educate. Explain. Clarify. As people understand, the hitherto irrational fear of the unknown gives way to well-founded objections. Not surprisingly, such objections can only result in progress.
Credibility is apparently a key problem. While all opponents sound credible; the only defense seems to come from largely untrusted government folks. Here again is an actionable. Bring credible supporters to the fore.
Most of the arguments have lacked real depth. Accusers have apparently gone largely unchallenged on critical assumptions. Fortunately, in-depth analyses and debates can address this. Here again is an actionable that is not insurmountable. The only challenge is to keep the debates grounded on reason - not rhetoric.
I have been working long-enough in the eGovernance area to know how difficult it is to conceptualize and execute a good project. I've been outspoken enough (including in these blogs) for people to know that my views are unaffected by official positions and extraneous considerations. I am unwilling to give up on a golden opportunity to do something good for the country, in the form of the UID Project.
A few friends and I have decided to come together and work on these action items. Spread more awareness. Put our reputations at stake. Engage in real debates.
Come talk to us. Engage in a dialog with us (by commenting here and by email, to begin with). If we can address your concerns, just express your support. It won't cost you anything. But just by participating, you can make a huge difference for our country - even if you don't agree with us.
