Letter to TOI Editor

• Apropos to the news highlighting the introduction of ID proofs in Delhi, I would like to raise concerns on this proposal’s implementation. Considering the perspective with which this step needs to be introduced, the more important aspect is, the right way of achieving it. Considering the surmountable evidence that the capital is home to 1 crore people, who do not comply even with electorate cards, or 1/4th of them carrying bogus ration cards, what requires is a solution catering tomorrow needs & global trends.
  India is heading strongly towards future with onset of preparations for Commonwealth games (around the corner), Metro-Rail project expansion in every nook & corner of the city and other infrastructure developments. The proposal shows the vision for higher security and a safer place, but will it not increase the bear of brunt on the poor lot deplorably??? Will not an immigrant (considering the no. of daily wage workers moving into the city) face hardships in convincing the constable standing at the city gates asking for their identification?? Will it not result in increased bribes from immigrants oblivious to the order of having a quick ID proofs with them?? Will it not become possible for militant/terrorist groups to get fake ID proofs easily fabricated?? Considering the corruption looming large in India, who will guarantee that the pillars of ethics and morality do not shake in front of hefty bribes/gifts given to officers???
  I strongly believe if something has to be done for making Delhi a lot safer, it has to be done by a joint participation of government and private entities. Can’t India (technologically driven) place a system like SEVIS existing in US for every individual’s registration?? We can have such a web based database implemented for the capital with promising avenues hidden for the entire nation in coming future.
  With such an implementation lie the underlying pros/advantages:-
• It will make Delhi a lot safer place where every individual is registered in government database including additional details like residential address, age proof, photo identity, license no. (Wherever applicable) and Voter ID no.
  This will ensure a stronger participation of people in elections, especially from the ones falling short of compliance (decided via age proof in database and absence of Voter card), & would be asked to get the Voter card made ASAP.
• With international events coming up, it will provide a lot safer Delhi in future with a separate lists prepared for all foreign tourists pouring in and enjoying the events. This will ensure a coherent head count at the beginning and end of all international events.
  This will help reduce the no. of rape cases, molestation and eve-teasing happening in around Delhi. The culprit if absconds and cross borders, all his details will be put on INTERPOL for a faster tracking.This will help the census to have a more realistic statistics and figures about Delhi demography and population.
• A mere introduction of ID proofs for every individual is far from solving the purpose but it will cause harassment to the already suffered lot.
  Hereby expressing my concerns on this issue, I urge the Delhi government to take realistic practical steps for a Happy & Prosperous DELHI.