Journalism of Courage
The biometric-based unique identification system,popularly known as Aadhaarmay be started by the department of telecommunication (DoT) after serious concerns were raised by the Delhi Police over the bulk sale of SIM cards using bogus identities by leading telecom operators.
The Delhi Police commissioner has urged the home ministry to direct DoT to start a central database system based on biometrics. As a result,the home ministry has written to the DoT asking it to examine the suggestions/measures suggested by the Delhi Police commissioner Neeraj Kumar.
As a fool-proof solution,it is proposed that a central database system be maintained by the DoT of all subscribers. This would entail taking fingerprint/thumb impression and any other unique biometric feature of the subscriber when he/she applies for a new mobile connection, Delhi Police commissioner Kumar said in his letter to the home secretary.
The commissioner blamed cut-throat competition in the telecom sector as the main culprit because of which bulk SIM cards are being used by criminals/terrorists and cheats. Suggestions to check the sale of bulk SIM cards include physical verification of the applicant and the use of registered posts for delivering SIM cards,in case of tele-verification.
The Delhi Police has also batted for stringent punishment in case multiple SIM cards are issued by a dealer on a single consumer application form.
