The unique identity number is said to have revolutionized the way the public distribution system is working in India.
UIDAI chief Nandan Nilekani has written to National Advisory Council chairperson Sonia Gandhi, stating how Aadhar can be used to integrate and revive the public distribution system in the country, apart from giving a foolproof digital identity to the common man, thus eliminating corruption and also strengthening the concept of “inclusive growth”.
"The UIDAI recognizes that implementing the Right to Food is a priority today for the Indian government. The functioning of the PDS -the mainstay of India's food programmes - is critical to the implementation of Right to Food in India," the note said.
The system would also enable state governments to directly tell residents about their entitlements through the online account of the beneficiaries, once it comes into effect. The discussion paper also suggested deploying a point of sale system equipped with a fingerprint reader to identify a beneficiary before issuing rations. It said BPL families can use the shop-owner’s mobile phone or a few families can pool together for a cheap handset, as low as Rs.1,200.Â
