Impact of Aadhaar

This refers to the editorial ‘Aadhaar intact’ (September 28). While the apex court’s judgment upholding the constitutional validity of Aadhaar (with some exceptions) has invoked widespread debate across the nation, it is surprising that the ruling as well as opposition parties hailed it as historical judgement. Beyond the political gimmicks, the Congress — the mastermind of the Aadhaar scheme — and the BJP — not supportive of the scheme at the time of its launch — have to thoroughly understand the pros and cons of Aadhaar’s modus operandi.

It is evident that Aadhaar has helped the government in identifying the true beneficiaries of government schemes and making them avail of the benefits without any intermediaries, thereby, saving a substantial amount of money that could otherwise have gone to the wrong hands. To tighten data privacy, it is imperative to decide on data localisation — still a bone of contention. Besides, a large amount of money that has been invested on the Aadhaar project is not for merely printing and distributing it as one more identification card.

Cuddalore

The Aadhar issue has found some resolution at the apex court. But the basic issue of data safety has neither been actively sought nor answered. Till date there has been no demonstrable contradiction to its safe upkeep and the structurally built-in safeguards against unauthorised access. What has perhaps perplexed the common man and irked the intelligentsia is the peremptory and imperious manner of the government diktat to link it with everything, an outcome of its excessive zeal and overrated perception of Aadhaar’s universal utility.

Navi Mumbai

World Heart Day, celebrated on September 29, is aimed at creating awareness about cardiovascular disease (CVD). It is not enough that only our phones become smart, it is time people become smart about what they eat. We demand superior quality unadulterated fuel for our vehicles but when it comes to fuel for the vehicle called human body we compromise and eat junk food.

In this fast-paced world people are busy chasing money and don’t have time to respect their tummy. They are keen on fat pay packages but are unaware of the saturated fats they consume. Today’s jeans-loving generation should eat what suits their genes/DNA and not ape the West blindly. So let us eat smart for a healthy heart. Though, health is one area where the 20th century made significant contribution, we still have a long way to go. It is indeed alarming that India ranks high in people suffering from diabetes and also the average age of heart patients has come down.

Chennai

It is amusing to read news reports that Pakistan Prime Minister, Imran Khan, is on a fund-raising and expenditure-cutting spree. He is apparently so serious that he is auctioning off government luxury cars and even buffaloes (belonging to Nawaz Shariff, the former PM). What Imran Khan should do is to stop the mad race to acquire weapons of mass destruction from western countries. This will help Pakistan save million of dollars, which could be used for the uplift of ordinary Pakistanis. It would also help bring peace in the sub-continent.

Kolkata

This is with reference to ‘Longer freight trains may be the answer’ (September 28). The Indian Railways requires thorough reforms that would help in all-round improvement of service.

Hence, for promoting tourism, creating job opportunities and improving transport facilities bold reforms are required in the Railways. Private investments/partnerships and FDI should be allowed for improving passenger facilities/comforts, as well as the safety and cleanliness of trains.

Thane

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