UID and Civil Liberties

One of the portals (rediff.com) has published an article by a person claiming to be the upholder of civil liberties casting aspersions on and calling for an abandonment of the Unique Identification Project. It is appalling that such articles find a place in mainstream media in the guise of freedom of expression. There are comparisons to what happened in Germany under Hitler. One wonders why the author did not go back to the period of the Roman Empire or other ancient cultures. If one goes sufficiently backwards in time or history, one can always come across some instance of a provision being misused or abused. As a counter-argument, what do we have to show for 63 years of civil liberties? Conservative estimates place the amount of black money in circulation to be equal to or more than what is officially available. Land transactions are made in fictitious or relatives’ names. Bank accounts are opened in multiple names and locations by the same person. People earning seven figure incomes evade taxes with impunity. One of the basic flaws in the argument for civil liberties is that it conveniently overlooks the corresponding responsibility. We always talk of our rights and never of our duties. In a nation of over a billion people, not even 1% pays income tax. And we have the audacity to talk of civil liberties. Any system can be put to constructive or destructive use. Nuclear energy when harnessed properly and with adequate safeguards can be a boon. The same technology in the hands of rogue players or countries can annihilate humankind. Why not cry for a total ban on nuclear energy in the fear that someone somewhere may misuse it? This is precisely the argument of the libertarians and eco-terrorists. It is no one’s argument that the UID is a panacea for all the ills facing the country. Only those indulging in anti-national or illegal activities should be afraid of the concept. Of course, like any other idea, it can be misused. Come on, we are in the 21st century. This is supposed to be a knowledge society. What are we afraid of? Another Hitler? If that is bound to happen (Murphy’s Law) it will, with or without the UID. On the other hand, having credible information is a good starting point for many worthwhile initiatives. The poorest of the poor can be specifically targeted for schemes that would improve the quality of their lives. At the other extreme, tax evaders and black money hoarders can be ruthlessly tracked and brought to book. Obviously, whether this will indeed happen depends on the government of the day. But then democracy is about choosing worthy candidates. If we are foolish and gullible enough to elect a Hitler to rule us, certainly the system would be abused. It is high time this hysteria about any progressive measure is stopped forthwith. After all, what is the track record of the PUCL beyond overtly or covertly waging war on the state and in the process killing innocent civilians. Enough is enough. Let us show these naysayers their rightful place in the dustbin of history.