Context: The Parivar Pehchan Patra (PPP), introduced in 2020 and rolled out in September 2021 in Haryana, has evoked both attention and criticism.

About Parivar Pehchan Patra

• Under the PPP, a unique eight-digit Identity number is issued to each family as a single unit.

• Any family residing in Haryana is required to enroll in the PPP to avail various government services and social security schemes.

The PPP ID can be made through three channels

• Common Service Centers managed by Village Level Entrepreneurs,

• SARAL Kendras managed by the state government, and

• through PPP operators registered for data collection.

• The data for a family is collected on the basis of a signed self-declaration made by an adult member.

How is the PPP different from the Aadhaar card?

• It is many times more complicated than Aadhar in its delivery.

• Aadhar primarily keeps unique identity information, whereas PPP goes far beyond to maintain socio-economic information besides the unique identity information.

• Aadhar does not verify any data except identity, but the PPP verifies every information field available with it through specific procedures.

Key Functions and Linkages

• The PPP streamlines access to various public welfare programs, including subsidized rations, Old Age Samman Allowance, Divyang Pension, educational admissions, government exams, and more.

• It gathers extensive data, encompassing family members’ details, Aadhaar numbers, demographics, educational and occupational information, immovable property ownership, and social status.

Comparing PPP with Aadhaar

• The scheme’s proponents note that PPP leverages Aadhaar’s digital framework but offers a more intricate delivery.

• While Aadhaar focuses on unique identity information, PPP encompasses socio-economic data, validated through specific procedures.

Opposition’s Concerns and Criticisms

• A former CM highlighted data collection errors leading to people being denied subsidies and benefits.

• A legislator raised multiple objections, alleging misuse of data for voter profiling, and criticized the depth of personal information required.

• Concerns were raised about the need for Aadhaar details, caste, PAN card, bank account, and property information. It was asserted that social security doesn’t necessitate caste identification.

• The criticism extended to the potential exploitation of caste-based and socio-economic data for electoral advantages.

Conclusion

• The Parivar Pehchan Patra scheme in Haryana aims to streamline government services and welfare delivery.

• While the initiative offers benefits, concerns about data accuracy, privacy, and potential political manipulation necessitate careful scrutiny and public discourse.