IT penetration in India

The UID project is picking up speed and as we all IT people know, once go-live date of a project comes near, the buzz around the project increases multi folds.

And with Mr. Nandan at the helm of affairs, I am sure he must have taken care of every aspect of the Project. This project is going to be a technology marvel to say the least. The system architecture has to support insertion of 1 billionth plus 1 record in mili seconds and retrieval of record based on unique number, again in mili seconds.

In my opinion, this project is going to be Olympics for existing technologies where technologies has to stretch itself to cater this huge requirement.

India served whole globe with its software services capabilities and Mr. Manmohan Singh has put his finger at right spot to improve government delivery which doesn't inspire confidence among citizens.

Also, this project will inspire rural masses to believe in IT because this is being executed by government and is pure "sarkari". The finger print records and other biometric record, if integrated with bank Core Banking System, may help to increase penetration of banking services to rural areas as well. Second, UID number will help many processes to be completely online thus improving process turn around time. Third, UID number can be used to identify person with complete confidence and private players may throw their hats to develop applications in local languages to improve communication and delivery from all levels of government.

Further, 3G is going to instigate and usage of overall mobile applications because demand will come from end user and application developing company will command more share in revenue with network service provider which is not the case at present.

Successful implementation of this project will trigger various changes in delivery systems of all levels of governance and justice. The power equations will change and citizen would have reasons to demand service rather than begging for it.

I do not any reason why Mr. Nandan Nilekani may not command same aura in Indian history as did Mr. Manmohan Singh as finance minister. Mr. Nandan greatest contribution to this country is accepting this enormous challenge and promise to deliver.