New Delhi:
Nandan Nilekani, who is heading the unique identity card (UID) scheme
Aadhar, told NDTV today he welcomed a probe by the Intelligence Bureau and an audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General, saying that "all problems have been sorted out, there are no concerns". He didn't think that it was a case of over-reach by the IB and CAG but declined to go into details.
The IB had initiated a probe into the UID scheme after some cards were found with names of fruits and vegetables on them. The IB had been instructed by the home ministry to inquire into this, considering it as a "security risk". The home ministry had raised concerns about the biometric recording of card-holders being done by private agencies that it said were not qualified. The CAG has been going through the account books of the scheme since October 3.
"It is their prerogative. I am now a servant of the government. When you join this system, you have to accept all this," he said.
He had a few tough words for those pushing to change the system, though: civil society activists and anti-corruption crusaders, who are demanding a Lokpal.
The Unique Identity Authority of India chairman told NDTV today that he didn't think a "super cop" Lokpal was the solution for "all ills". He said that more laws will not change the system, it has to be changed from the inside. "I am very positive about the system and reforms and I believe it needs to be changed from inside," he said.
"Creating a super cop like the Lokpal sitting on top of everyone will not create a miracle. It won't work when things are made more difficult for bureaucrats. These are glib solutions," he said. "We have to roll up our sleeves and work out the problem."
The Lokpal bill is aimed at creating an independent ombudsman to tackle corruption at all levels. It has been held up in Parliament as it couldn't get the support of all parties, which are differing about its scope and composition.
Mr Nilekani, formerly with software giant Infosys, was drafted into the government to head the UIDAI, which is intended to bring more focused and efficient delivery of welfare schemes as well as transparency in government. A direct cash transfer scheme to beneficiaries of subsidies was started yesterday by the prime minister to cut out fraud and corruption, to mark the third anniversary of
Aadhar.