Aadhaar-like Security of Citizens’ Data yet to be Carried out

70 DAYS AFTER NRC PUBLICATION

Clear direction missing as to how and who would carry out the process

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Though two months and 10 days have elapsed since the publication of the final NRC (National Register of Citizens) in Assam, it is still unclear as to how and who will protect the crucial data of the State’s citizens’ register with Aadhaar-like security as mandated by the Supreme Court.

The massive update exercise of NRC was carried out under the direct supervision of the apex Court. Besides the State NRC Coordinator’s office, the other two agencies involved in the process are the RGI (Registrar General of India), and the MHA (Ministry of Home Affairs). Legally, the NRC has belonged to the RGI. However, the State NRC Coordinator’s office cannot share the NRC data with either the RGI or the MHA unless the NRC data is secured with Aadhaar-like security. However, it is not clear as to which of the three agencies will be carrying out the crucial data-shielding exercise.

Notably, former NRC State Coordinator, Assam, Prateek Hajela had submitted a proposal on securing the NRC data to the RGI. However, sources informed that it is still under the “consideration” stage.

In its August 13, 2019 order, the Supreme Court bench comprising Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Rohinton Fali Nariman directed the State NRC Coordinator that “an appropriate regime be enacted on lines similar to the security regime provided for Aadhaar data. Only thereafter, the list of inclusions and exclusions shall be made available to the State Government, the Central Government and the Registrar General of India”.

A total of 3,30,27,661 people applied (through 68,37,660 applications) for the inclusion of their names in the final NRC. While 3,11,21,004 of those names were included in the final NRC, 19,06,657 other names were found ineligible for inclusion.

Also Read: Government extends Aadhaar seeding date for PM-Kisan scheme

Also Watch: Bodoland International Paragliding Accuracy Championship begins