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Integrating Biometric Authentication in India's Welfare Programs: Lessons from a Decade of Reforms

Author

Listed:
  • Sukhtankar, Sandip

    (University of Virginia)

  • Niehaus, Paul

    (University of California, San Diego)

  • Muralidharan, Karthik

    (University of California, San Diego & NCAER)

Abstract

India’s biometric unique ID Aadhaar has been at the forefront of the global revolution in digital identification, and India’s most significant investment in state capacity over the past decade. Yet, its application to social protection programs has been controversial. Proponents claim that the use of Aadhaar to identify and authenticate beneficiaries in these programs has led to considerable fiscal savings, while critics claim that it has led to denial of benefits to the marginalized and caused substantial harm. We review research on the use and impact of Aadhaar in social programs in India over the last decade. Our main takeaway from the review is that biometric authentication has reduced leakage in multiple settings, but its impact on beneficiaries depends crucially on the protocols and details of implementation. We conclude with a list of policy suggestions for obtaining the benefits of Aadhaar while minimizing the risk of harm to beneficiaries

Suggested Citation

  • Sukhtankar, Sandip & Niehaus, Paul & Muralidharan, Karthik, 2022. "Integrating Biometric Authentication in India's Welfare Programs: Lessons from a Decade of Reforms," India Policy Forum, National Council of Applied Economic Research, vol. 18(1), pages 139-172.
    • Handle: RePEc:nca:ncaerj:v:18:y:2022:i:2022-1:p:139-172
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    File URL: https://www.ncaer.org/publication/india-policy-forum-2021
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Aadhaar; India; Service Delivery; Biometric Authentication;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D73 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Bureaucracy; Administrative Processes in Public Organizations; Corruption
    • H53 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Government Expenditures and Welfare Programs
    • O30 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - General
    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives
    • Q18 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Agriculture - - - Agricultural Policy; Food Policy; Animal Welfare Policy

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