Digitisation of Welfare Delivery Case of Public Distribution System and Aadhaar In Rajasthan

Abstract

This study explores the digitisation of welfare service delivery in India, specifically the case of linking Aadhaar and Public Distribution System (PDS) in Rajasthan. The objective of this study is to firstly explore the implications of linking Aadhaar and PDS in Rajasthan. The insights on answering this question were based on a five week fieldwork with Mazdoor Kisaan Shakti Sangathan in MKSS. The second objective of the study is to try propose solutions for an effective and efficient Public Distribution System. This has been answered based on document analysis, interacting with experts and my experience from the fieldwork. The third objective is to understand the bigger picture of linking Aadhaar with welfare service delivery and try mapping the current trajectory of linking these entities. A humanist approach is taken in explaining this point. The rationale for this study was derived from the contemporary conditions where the debate on Aadhaar shifted its focus from developmental issues and service delivery to largely urban issues of data security and privacy. The current discourse is also important but the Aadhaar Act, 2016 in its preamble aims to provide for transparent, efficient and effective delivery of welfare services, subsidies and benefits. News and media coverage on Aadhaar based exclusion and its non-performance usually slipped under the radar. Given this background there was a need to conduct a study on the Aadhaar‘s performance in delivering the promises it makes. As there were a few reports on Aadhaar‘s failures, as a policy maker interested in the area I wanted to understand the gravity of the situation and depth and breadth of the problem. An attempt has been made in this study to present all the observations and understanding in a cohesive and structured manner. The first chapter on Introduction flows from the title- ‗Technological Interventions in Welfare Delivery: Case of Public Distribution System and Aadhaar in Rajasthan.‘ Most likely argument defending the Aadhaar and its failures are on the lines of Government‘s responsibilities in delivering welfare. I explain in this section why there are obligations on the government to deliver welfare services, services delivered so far, problems faced in delivery of these services and finally the need of technological interventions in improving these services.