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Time of India
11-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Green nod for ₹26,000 crore transmission projects to boost Rajasthan's solar ambitions
In a major boost to Rajasthan's renewable energy sector, the Rajasthan Vidyut Prasaran Nigam Ltd (RVPN) has approved long-pending transmission infrastructure proposals aimed at easing evacuation bottlenecks that have hampered solar and wind energy projects across the state. The board of RVPN, the state's transmission utility, cleared proposals worth over ₹26,000 crore for developing 15 new transmission lines, a move seen as critical to strengthening the state's power infrastructure and enabling large-scale integration of green energy into the grid. The approval, granted during RVPN's board meeting earlier this week, marks a turning point for many delayed solar projects that have been awaiting adequate transmission capacity. The new projects will be developed through a competitive bidding process—specifically, Tariff-Based Competitive Bidding ( TBCB )—with RVPN itself now eligible to participate as a bidder for projects exceeding ₹300 crore in value, a departure from earlier policy restrictions. Transmission boost for solar surge The 15 approved transmission projects include nine 765kV lines, four 400kV lines, and two 220kV lines, strategically planned to ensure efficient evacuation of power from renewable energy-rich zones to both intra-state and inter-state grids. These projects had been stuck for nearly three years, primarily due to financial and policy-level delays, resulting in a backlog of commissioned but idle solar capacity awaiting connectivity. Speaking to ETGovernment, Ajitabh Sharma , Principal Secretary, Energy Department & Chairman , RVPNL, Government of Rajasthan, emphasised the strategic significance of the move, 'With the approval of ₹26,000+ crore worth of transmission projects, Rajasthan is set to strengthen its transmission network and accelerate renewable energy evacuation. Our forward-looking approach, including TBCB-mode execution for all projects above ₹300 crore, will enable seamless RE integration into the grid and drive India's commitment to a greener future. This also marks a significant opportunity for the power industry.' He further underlined the immediate need for enhancing the state's power evacuation capacity, 'Without the availability of transmission capacity, the rollout of solar and wind energy projects would be impacted. The current demand for evacuation outstrips the existing transmission capacity. These projects will go a long way in removing those hurdles.' Rajasthan's renewable potential Rajasthan, with its vast tracts of arid and semi-arid land, continues to be one of India's most promising states for solar energy generation. Despite its potential, the state recently lost its top position in installed solar capacity to Gujarat. Industry experts have attributed this decline not to resource availability, but to infrastructural bottlenecks—particularly transmission limitations—that have delayed or restricted the commissioning of new projects. With over 300 sunny days a year and abundant land availability, Rajasthan has the capacity to become the hub of India's renewable energy revolution. The state government has already announced plans to attract investments in the solar and wind sectors through supportive policies and robust infrastructure development. These newly approved transmission projects are expected to complement those efforts and attract fresh investor interest. Industry opportunity and national implications The scale of the newly sanctioned projects also represents a massive opportunity for players in the power infrastructure and engineering sectors. With all projects above ₹300 crore being executed under the TBCB mode, private developers will now have the opportunity to bid for and develop critical infrastructure assets. This move aligns with the Government of India's broader push for privatization, competitiveness, and transparency in power sector operations. Moreover, as India ramps up its commitment to achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030 under its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), ensuring grid readiness becomes crucial. Rajasthan's initiative serves as a model for other states facing similar constraints in integrating renewable energy. The road ahead RVPN's proactive stance and its entry into TBCB bidding could set a precedent for other state transmission utilities to become more competitive and self-reliant. The corporation is expected to finalize tender documents and float bids for these transmission projects in the coming months, with an aim to begin groundwork by early next year. The timeline for project completion is expected to range between 18 to 36 months, depending on the scale and complexity of individual corridors. Implementation strategy and phased rollout The 15 transmission projects will be rolled out in a phased manner, prioritising regions with the highest concentration of commissioned but non-operational renewable projects. The western and northwestern districts of Rajasthan—such as Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Barmer , and Jodhpur—are set to benefit significantly, as these areas house some of the largest solar and wind energy parks in the state. To ensure efficient implementation, RVPN is also establishing a dedicated project monitoring unit. This unit will be responsible for coordinating with various stakeholders including private developers, central agencies, land acquisition authorities, and financing institutions. Emphasis will be placed on expediting clearances and ensuring right-of-way availability, which has historically been a challenge in large-scale transmission development. Financing and Private Participation Out of the ₹26,000 crore investment, a significant portion is expected to come from private players through the TBCB model, while RVPN will also explore multilateral financing options and green energy development funds to bridge any investment gaps. The competitive nature of bidding is likely to bring in major infrastructure companies, EPC contractors, and global investors looking to participate in India's renewable transition. Ajitabh Sharma emphasised that the move not only ensures efficient power evacuation but also stimulates local economic activity, 'These projects will create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, spur local industry participation, and strengthen Rajasthan's position on the national renewable energy map.' Central Government Support and Policy Synergy The announcement aligns with the Ministry of Power's recent push to accelerate renewable energy integration by improving transmission infrastructure across the country. The central government has been advocating for the timely execution of the Green Energy Corridor (GEC) Phase-II, under which Rajasthan is a key beneficiary. Coordination between state and central efforts is expected to streamline execution and avoid duplication of infrastructure. A green leap forward The greenlight to these high-value transmission projects signifies more than just infrastructure growth—it marks a foundational shift in Rajasthan's energy ecosystem. By resolving a critical bottleneck, the state is poised to regain its leadership in solar capacity, attract global investments, and contribute meaningfully to India's clean energy goals. As execution begins, all eyes will be on how swiftly and efficiently RVPN and its partners can bring these transmission lines online—unlocking the full potential of Rajasthan's sun-drenched landscape and transforming it into a powerhouse of clean, green energy.
Time of India
08-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Rajasthan eyes ₹1,500 crore investment in aviation; cuts fuel VAT to 1%, ET Infra
Advt By , ETGovernment Join the community of 2M+ industry professionals. Subscribe to Newsletter to get latest insights & analysis in your inbox. Get updates on your preferred social platform Follow us for the latest news, insider access to events and more. Rajasthan's Minister of State for Civil Aviation (Independent Charge) Gautam Kumar Dak said the state government has taken several steps to develop civil aviation infrastructure and stated that the value added tax (VAT) on aviation turbine fuel for Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) flights has been reduced from 26 per cent to 1 per cent. The state has provided free and encumbrance-free land to the Airports Authority of India for the construction of a greenfield airport in Kota and for the development and expansion of Kishangarh Airport. Land allocation is also in progress for the expansion of Udaipur Airport and for the construction of a civil enclave in Uttarlai, the Northern Region Civil Aviation Ministers' Conference in Dehradun, Dak said that Rajasthan has several tourist, religious, industrial, and educational sites, making regional air connectivity important. Currently, RCS flights operate from three airports in the state. The government has proposed to the Centre that Mount Abu, Sikar, Sawai Madhopur, Bhilwara, and Sri Ganganagar be included in the RCS network. It has also requested regular flights from Bikaner, Jodhpur, and Kishangarh to Mumbai, Kolkata, Surat, and state has 19 airstrips ranging from 3,300 feet to 9,800 feet. These are being offered for use in flying training, air sports, and maintenance activities. An FTO is operational in Kishangarh, and another is scheduled to begin in Bhilwara in August 2025. Over 10 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) have been signed with private investors, indicating a potential investment of ₹1,500 crore. Aviation investment promotion provisions are included in the Rajasthan Investment Promotion Scheme (RIPS).Dak said there are about 118 helipads in the state. Additional helipads are under construction in districts, tourist areas, and for use in medical and emergency services. Plans have been proposed for helicopter tourism, religious travel, and short-distance rides. The government is also working on establishing helicopter-based emergency medical services and is seeking central support for operational models and standard further stated that districts such as Udaipur, Kota (Chambal), Banswara, and Tonk (Bisalpur) may be suitable for seaplane services. A request has been made to the Centre to study feasibility and consider inclusion under the RCS scheme. Rajasthan introduced its Civil Aviation Policy in 2024 and has sought financial, technical, and policy support from the central government.
Time of India
12-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Software exports from STPI-registered units cross ₹10 lakh crore: Arvind Kumar
In an era defined by digital disruption and deep-tech ambition, the Software Technology Parks of India ( STPI ) stands as one of the silent architects of India's IT revolution. From its modest beginnings in 1991 with just ₹52 crore in software exports, STPI has helped engineer an ecosystem through its STPI registered units now worth over ₹10 lakh crore—making India a global powerhouse in IT and ITeS. But STPI's journey is far from over. As emerging technologies like AI, semiconductors, and quantum computing reshape global value chains, STPI is reinventing itself to catalyse the next wave of product innovation and startup growth—especially from India's tier-II and III cities. In this wide-ranging conversation with Anoop Verma , Editor-News, ETGovernment, Arvind Kumar , Director General of STPI, reflects on the organisation's 34-year evolution, the shift from service-driven exports to deep-tech entrepreneurship, and why inclusive innovation, strategic incubation, and smart policy execution will define India's digital future. From Leap Ahead programs and Ananta Cloud to SAYUJ—the new networking platform for startups—Arvind Kumar outlines how STPI is building a bridge from legacy to leadership in the global tech ecosystem. Edited Excerpts: STPI recently completed 34 years. How do you reflect on this milestone? It's a moment of great pride. When we started our journey in 1991–92, India's software exports were merely ₹52 crore. Today, software exports from STPI-registered units alone exceed ₹10 lakh crore, with total exports crossing ₹19 lakh crore. STPI has played a pivotal role in shaping India's IT landscape—not as a regulator, but as a facilitator. Many industry veterans still recall starting their journeys from STPI premises, relying on our high-speed data connectivity. We earned the respect of the industry by operating professionally and responsively, much like a private enterprise. What are the unique factors that have contributed to India's phenomenal growth in software exports during this period? India has always been service-oriented. The turning point came with the Y2K challenge—our engineers' ability to understand and solve that global issue positioned India as a trusted service provider. While our IT/ITeS services exports have now touched nearly $224 billion, software products lag behind at about $17 billion, with product exports contributing roughly $12 billion. That gap is something we are actively trying to address through our startup and product innovation ecosystem. How is STPI promoting software product development and startups? STPI has expanded beyond its traditional role by establishing 24 domain-specific Centres of Entrepreneurship (CoEs) across the country. These are focused on areas like HealthTech (Lucknow), Blockchain (Gurugram), FinTech (Chennai & Gandhinagar), and more. We are currently supporting over 1,400 startups through incubation, seed funding, and mentorship. Many of them have generated IPRs and developed over 2,000 product innovations. Our aim is to build a strong, deep-tech-oriented startup ecosystem. You talked about the Leap Ahead Program. What is its objective and how has it evolved? Initially, we launched the 'Building the Next Unicorn – Mission to USA' to give Indian startups international exposure. However, we learned that many were unprepared for global investor engagement. So we evolved the initiative into the Leap Ahead Program, which now offers 360-degree support—curated mentorship, pitch preparation, and finally, exposure to international investors, especially in Silicon Valley. Startups mentored under various programs of STPI including Leap Ahead have accessed nearly ₹600 crore in external funding, with just ₹43 crore seed support from STPI. That 14x leverage is a validation of our approach. There's been criticism that many Indian startups focus more on services than on core tech innovation. How is STPI addressing this? It's a valid observation. Early-stage startups often gravitate toward service aggregation models due to lower entry barriers and quicker returns. Deep tech, on the other hand, requires time, funding, and patience. The government's new focus on AI, semiconductors, and advanced materials has boosted startup confidence. With long-term programs like CoEs and initiatives like Semicon India and the IndiaAI Mission, startups now see a clear path to develop core technologies. We already have 20+ deep-tech startups in our portfolio and expect that number to grow. What is your vision for STPI over the next five years? Our role has always been to facilitate industry growth. Initially, that meant providing high-speed connectivity and incubation space. Now, it means enabling cloud services, cybersecurity services, and advanced computing infrastructure. We're offering services through Ananta Cloud (in Chennai and Bhubaneswar), five data centres, and SAYUJ—a digital platform that connects startups, mentors, and investors. We're adapting constantly to meet the evolving needs of the tech industry. Tell us more about SAYUJ. How does it help the startup ecosystem? SAYUJ—meaning 'together' in Sanskrit—is a networking and discovery platform. Startups, mentors, and investors can connect, share ideas, pitch products, and explore collaboration opportunities. It also aggregates state and central government policies—offering information on incubators, seed funds, global market access, and more. Soon, SAYUJ will also function as a job-matching portal. Already available as a web portal with over 5000 users, we're launching its mobile app soon. How do you assess the performance of STPI's 67 centres, especially the 59 located in Tier II and III cities? The idea behind these centres is inclusivity. Talent exists beyond metros, and we want to give local entrepreneurs access to world-class infrastructure. Centres in places like Bhagalpur, Koraput and Jajpur offer incubation at nominal costs. More importantly, all 67 centres are interconnected. A startup in Bhagalpur can access a lab in Bengaluru or mentorship from another STPI hub. This pan-India network gives them the benefits of a national ecosystem while working locally. What's the expected growth trajectory for India's software exports in the coming years? After the post-COVID boom, export growth has stabilized at 5–6%. The impact of AI on the software industry is still unfolding. While it could disrupt some service segments, it will also create opportunities in deep-tech development. For now, we anticipate steady, single-digit growth, with new technologies gradually shaping the next wave of exports. How is STPI aligning with national tech missions like the IndiaAI Mission, Semiconductor Mission, and others? We are fully aligned with the government's vision. We're planning a Centre of Excellence on semiconductors in Pune, in partnership with the Maharashtra government, and another on AI in Nagpur. While we don't have a concrete plan for a quantum tech CoE yet, it's on our radar. As government support for R&D intensifies across sectors, STPI will be a key enabler for startups working in these domains.
Time of India
05-06-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Maharashtra's Big Transport Shift: EV Push, Port-Linked Growth and Vadhawan as an Economic Catalyst
As India accelerates its shift toward cleaner mobility, smarter urbanization, and strategic maritime infrastructure, Maharashtra is positioning itself at the forefront of this transformation. From recalibrating its electric vehicle policy to launching one of the country's most ambitious port-led development projects at Vadhawan , the state is pushing forward a multidimensional agenda—combining sustainability, technology, and regional economic growth. In this wide-ranging conversation with Puja Banerjee and Ashutosh Mishra of ETGovernment, Sanjay Sethi , Additional Chief Secretary, Transport and Ports, Government of Maharashtra, speaks with ETGovernment about the state's evolving policy landscape—from building an integrated EV ecosystem and redefining urban transport planning to catalyzing shipbuilding and port-centric industrialization. With a sharp focus on implementation, public-private partnerships, and data-driven governance, Sethi lays out how Maharashtra aims to balance environmental imperatives, investor interests, and infrastructure demands in the coming decade. Edited Excerpts: Maharashtra's EV policy has been in focus in the past few days. What are some of the key priorities under it? Through the Maharashtra EV Policy 2025, the thrust is on increasing penetration by working on both demand and supply. We're offering subsidies across all vehicle categories and have also waived motor vehicle tax. Two and three wheelers initially picked up, but we're now pushing for four wheelers, commercial fleets, trucks, trailers, and utility vehicles like garbage contractors to come under the policy's ambit. These categories were earlier left out of benefits, and that's changing now. Apart from that, charging is a central pillar under the policy. We've identified specific pockets - Pune, for example, has exceeded targets already. Mumbai, on the other hand, lagged behind because of multiple reasons. So we're dealing with both the physical and regulatory bottlenecks. New rules now push for setting up charging stations in bus depots, fuel stations, and all new residential and commercial buildings. We aim to have one station every 25 km on the highways. The power regulator has also been roped in to ensure load management and pricing. So, we're building a robust charging ecosystem to eliminate both supply and financial hurdles. Another big development in the port and maritime area is the Vadhawan port. What is the vision behind Vadhawan Port? Why is it being positioned as a key growth zone? Vadhawan is not just a port, it's an anchor for regional economic transformation. The idea is to not let ports function in isolation. Globally, successful models like Singapore show how a port area becomes an engine of commercial activity. We're planning for the entire Vadhawan zone to be developed as an economic and employment hub - with logistics, manufacturing, services, and housing all integrated. This is the first central government port project with state equity. Decisions are being taken jointly so that both central and state objectives are aligned. There is also a plan to promote shipbuilding and repair in Maharashtra. What's the proposal? India has begun promoting shipbuilding more actively, and the Centre has created a Maritime India fund that offers capital support. We're working on a model where Maharashtra will develop basic shipbuilding infrastructure, similar to plug and play industrial parks, and offer it to private players. They bring in the machinery, manpower and operations. We'll provide ready space, connectivity, and utilities. It's being framed under PPP models, with room for leasehold or revenue sharing agreements. Are you seeing investor interest in such a shipbuilding ecosystem? The response from stakeholders has been positive. There's a strong case for ship repair and mid-sized shipbuilding yards along the coast. Our job is to reduce entry barriers - by ensuring land availability, regulatory ease, and backend logistics. We're currently ironing out the capital and policy components so these projects can move forward. Something like viability gap funding is also under consideration. Switching to urban issues, what is the thinking around the state's parking policy and congestion control? The number of vehicles in cities has reached a point where PM 2.5 levels are far above standards. If this continues, people won't be able to commute at all, and that affects everything from work to leisure. So we need stronger parking regulations. One of the proposals is proof of parking for vehicle purchase, not as a ban, but as a way to check unregulated growth. But we also need to expand public parking to avoid making it punitive for today's generation. This must come from local urban bodies, via zoning, DC rules, and developer mandates. Does this also involve a rethink of urban design and carrying capacity? Urban transport can't be solved in silos anymore. We have to assess how much traffic an area can realistically bear. If road capacity is saturated, we must regulate fresh inflow. At the same time, robust public transport and parking options must exist. We've had extensive discussions with stakeholders, and a multidisciplinary policy is in the works. But it has to be phased, equitable, and practically implementable. There has been news about a possible consideration of regulating cab prices in Maharashtra. What is going on in that area? We have received concerns around excessive fluctuations in cab pricing from citizens for quite some time now. So we have decided to come up with a framework that will define pricing slabs for aggregators. The idea is not to fix prices, but to create a band, say, a minimum and a maximum fare. It gives some leeway but prevents exploitation. The concern is both from commuters, who find surge pricing arbitrary, and from driver partners, who feel the commission structures are not transparent. So the policy will cover both. We're studying different models and consultations with stakeholders are happening for now. How is the transport department using technology like AI and IoT in its operations? AI is deeply embedded already. We operate around 18,000 buses, and GPS based geofencing helps monitor routes and performance. Cameras and radar-based devices are used for speed enforcement, alert systems, and data analysis. From informing passengers about bus arrivals to detecting route deviations, technology is improving safety and efficiency. But we must use AI intelligently - not just for automation, but for insight and preventive decision-making. What's your policy approach when facing competing needs and limited resources? The idea is to not just respond to individual complaints but to solve systemic problems. For instance, a local traffic jam may point to flawed planning or coordination. So if we're drafting a policy, it should address root causes - not just be a patch. Each solution should be a stepping stone to something larger, not just a fix for one constituency.
Time of India
24-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
UIDAI CEO Bhuvnesh Kumar on securing the digital identity of over billion Indians
As of January 2025, over 100 crore face-authentication transactions were recorded in India—proof of how deeply Aadhaar has become embedded in the country's digital and financial ecosystem. Behind this scale and sophistication is the Unique Identification Authority of India ( UIDAI ), which continues to evolve the Aadhaar platform to meet emerging technological, legal, and societal challenges. In this wide-ranging interview, Bhuvnesh Kumar, Chief Executive Officer of Unique Identification Authority of India - UIDAI , speaks to Anoop Verma , Editor-News, ETGovernment, about how Aadhaar is being continually fortified through artificial intelligence, biometric liveness detection , and blockchain-based verifications. From empowering women through financial independence to ensuring last-mile delivery in remote areas via fingerprint-enabled doorstep banking, Kumar offers a comprehensive look into how UIDAI is building a secure, inclusive, and future-ready identity infrastructure for over a billion Indians. Edited excerpts: Aadhaar has been instrumental in financial inclusion. How has it impacted India's unbanked population and Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT)? Aadhaar has played a transformative role in advancing financial inclusion in India. Over 50 crore bank accounts were opened under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), a milestone made possible through Aadhaar-based eKYC. This method of electronic Know Your Customer verification is fast, non-repudiable, and highly cost-effective, significantly accelerating the onboarding of new customers for banking services. As a result, India has achieved near-universal financial inclusion in terms of bank account proliferation. When Aadhaar was conceptualized in 2009, only about 17% of India's population had bank accounts. By 2024, approximately 95% of the population—virtually 100% of adults—possessed an Aadhaar number, and bank account ownership had surged to 77%. Aadhaar authentication has also helped eliminate around 100 million fake or ghost beneficiaries, enabling the government to deposit subsidies and benefits directly into the accounts of verified individuals. This direct benefit transfer mechanism has led to cumulative savings of ₹3,72,546 crore by March 2025. Once linked to a bank account, Aadhaar becomes a financial address for the holder, allowing precise and efficient delivery of welfare schemes to the rightful beneficiaries. How does UIDAI ensure that people in rural areas, who may have limited access to technology, can still use Aadhaar effectively? UIDAI has implemented several measures to bridge the digital divide in rural India, ensuring Aadhaar's accessibility even in areas with limited technological infrastructure. The Aadhaar-enabled Payment System (AePS) has proven particularly effective, allowing individuals to access their Aadhaar-linked bank accounts using just their fingerprints. Through door-step banking services provided by "bank mitras," residents can carry out transactions from the comfort of their homes, overcoming barriers such as lack of smartphones or internet access. Fingerprint-based Aadhaar authentication is also widely used for accessing a variety of government services, especially in-kind benefits like the Public Distribution System (PDS), which has emerged as one of the largest platforms for Aadhaar-based identity verification. Moreover, UIDAI has introduced offline verification options, including QR code-based Aadhaar services, which enable identity verification even in areas with poor or no internet connectivity, thereby ensuring inclusivity in remote regions. What are the challenges in Aadhaar enrollment for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, disabled, and homeless individuals, and how is UIDAI addressing them? UIDAI has instituted multiple provisions to address enrolment challenges faced by vulnerable populations, ensuring that no eligible individual is left out due to physical or biometric limitations. Under its Biometric Exception Enrolment Guidelines issued on August 1, 2014, UIDAI allows enrollment for individuals who cannot provide biometric data such as fingerprints or iris scans due to reasons like injury, old age, leprosy, or other conditions. If only one biometric—either fingerprint or iris—is available, it is used for enrolment; if neither can be captured, enrolment still proceeds based on demographic details, with specific notations in the system and a supervisor's validation. Photographs highlighting the biometric exception are also required, ensuring documentation is thorough. Additionally, UIDAI has issued advisories to all registrars and enrolment agencies, urging them to train operators on handling exceptional cases with care and empathy. For those unable to visit enrolment centres, UIDAI offers home enrolment services on a chargeable basis, particularly for senior citizens, bedridden individuals, and persons with disabilities. Applicants must submit supporting documentation, including a medical certificate or disability ID, to the nearest UIDAI Regional Office. UIDAI also conducts regular enrolment camps to reach and serve vulnerable populations across the country. There have been concerns about Aadhaar-related exclusions in welfare schemes. How does UIDAI work with the government to ensure benefits reach the intended beneficiaries? UIDAI is committed to ensuring that Aadhaar does not become a barrier to accessing welfare benefits. For schemes governed under Section 7 of the Aadhaar Act, 2016, Aadhaar authentication is not mandatory for availing benefits. In cases where Aadhaar authentication is not feasible, beneficiaries are allowed to establish their identity through alternate means. While UIDAI provides the technological backbone for identity verification, it is the responsibility of the implementing agencies to formulate clear policy guidelines allowing such alternatives, thereby ensuring that no eligible beneficiary is denied service due to Aadhaar-related challenges. How does Aadhaar empower women, particularly in terms of financial independence and access to government schemes? Aadhaar has significantly contributed to empowering women by facilitating a shift from family-based to individual-based bank accounts. Aadhaar-based eKYC has made it possible for women to open their own bank accounts quickly and securely, which is now a prerequisite for receiving Direct Benefit Transfers (DBTs). As government welfare benefits are now transferred directly to the individual's account, women beneficiaries are ensured direct and independent access to financial resources. This direct ownership of funds has enhanced their ability to make financial decisions, thereby fostering greater economic independence and contributing to their empowerment. What technological advancements are being integrated into Aadhaar to enhance security and authentication? To enhance security within the authentication ecosystem, biometric spoof detection techniques based on artificial intelligence and machine learning models are being integrated into fingerprint devices by respective vendors. Additionally, biometric matching and liveness detection models for both face and fingerprint modalities are regularly trained using the latest datasets. UIDAI is also progressing toward implementing liveness detection for iris-based devices, further strengthening the overall biometric security infrastructure. UIDAI is actively deploying AI and ML technologies to detect and prevent identity fraud across multiple fronts. One live project involves an AI-ML model that analyzes biometric enrolment and update patterns to identify fraudulent activities, such as flipped or partial IRIS submissions and mixed biometrics. The system flags anomalies and potential fraud cases. AI also extracts URLs from QR codes to validate credentials against whitelisted sources like official birth certificate issuers. A face-matching system integrated with liveness detection helps prevent spoofing through photos or videos. The SEDA system further enhances security by performing 1:N face deduplication and cross-matching with Bureau of Immigration records to prevent fraudulent enrolments by foreigners. Additionally, an AI-based age prediction model is in canary mode to detect age-related fraud. In the short term, projects in the pipeline include AI-driven photo matching from submitted documents to reduce dependency on human operators, and OCR-based data extraction to automate document verification. Long-term plans involve developing an indigenous Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) for large-scale deduplication using AI, along with state-wise Bharat DeDupe initiatives to eliminate database duplicates. Liveness detection for face, fingerprint, and iris is also being planned to prevent biometric spoofing. These efforts aim to significantly enhance the reliability and security of Aadhaar's identity verification system. Are there plans to incorporate blockchain technology to further secure Aadhaar data? UIDAI currently operates a centralized identity platform based on the Central Identities Data Repository (CIDR) for enrolment validation, authentication, and biometric verification. However, it is also exploring blockchain-based solutions for offline Aadhaar verification. Blockchain, with its decentralized trust model, allows for verifiable credentials where authentication can occur without direct connectivity to CIDR. This approach can enhance data immutability, auditability, and enable secure offline verification through cryptographic proofs. While this could reduce dependency on real-time queries and increase trust, challenges such as scalability, governance, and compliance need to be addressed to align with UIDAI's operational structure. Given the increasing cyber threats, what new security protocols are being developed to protect Aadhaar users? UIDAI has adopted a security and privacy-by-design approach in building the Aadhaar ecosystem. Key security measures include consent-based access to Aadhaar Number Holder (ANH) data, available only to the ANH and authorized Requesting Entities (REs). Data is encrypted both at rest and in transit, ensuring protection throughout its lifecycle. Users can generate a Virtual ID (VID) instead of sharing their Aadhaar number, and they also have the ability to lock and unlock their biometrics to prevent misuse. UIDAI has developed an AI/ML-powered authentication system to detect fraud and continuously reviews and audits the security of CIDR to safeguard its systems. To future-proof against evolving threats, enhancements to encryption protocols are underway to mitigate post-quantum risks, alongside the rollout of a scaled-up fraud management system. How does UIDAI ensure the reliability of biometric authentication, especially for individuals facing fingerprint or iris recognition failures? To address authentication challenges related to fingerprint and iris recognition failures, UIDAI is increasingly promoting the use of face authentication, which has shown higher success rates and greater resilience to functional issues. Face authentication is particularly effective in cases where fingerprint quality is poor or iris scanning faces technical hurdles. As of January 2025, face-based authentication has crossed the 100-crore transaction mark, with an average of 45 to 50 lakh daily transactions, indicating its growing adoption and reliability across the Aadhaar ecosystem. How does UIDAI ensure compliance with legal frameworks, especially after the Supreme Court's rulings on Aadhaar? The Supreme Court's 2018 ruling in the Justice K.S. Puttaswamy (Retd.) vs. Union of India case was a landmark decision that defined the legal boundaries for Aadhaar's operation, particularly in relation to privacy and data security. In response, UIDAI undertook several measures to align its operations with the Court's directives. The ruling emphasized that Aadhaar usage for non-government services like mobile phone connections and bank accounts must be voluntary. It also mandated strict safeguards for data security and privacy, prohibiting data sharing without individual consent. To comply, UIDAI amended the Aadhaar Act through the Aadhaar and Other Laws (Amendment) Act, 2019. Key provisions included redefining the Aadhaar number to incorporate Virtual ID (VID), allowing voluntary use of physical or electronic Aadhaar for authentication or offline verification, and mandating parental consent for child enrolments. Only entities adhering to prescribed privacy and security standards can now use Aadhaar authentication, and offline verifications are also subject to stringent restrictions on data sharing. Further safeguards include the requirement for judicial orders (from a High Court judge) for accessing identity information under Section 33(1) of the Aadhaar Act, and increased penalties for non-compliance. A new Chapter VIA introduced civil penalties and a framework for adjudication and appeals, while amendments to Section 47 empowered Aadhaar holders to file complaints against privacy violations. UIDAI is also adapting to newer legal developments. Following the enactment of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, and the upcoming rules under it, UIDAI is assessing and updating its technological and legal systems to ensure full compliance with the new data protection regime. What steps has UIDAI taken to ensure Aadhaar data is used responsibly by government and private entities? UIDAI has implemented a robust set of measures to ensure responsible use of Aadhaar data by both government and private entities. The Aadhaar Act, 2016 serves as the legal foundation, clearly stipulating that data can only be used for authorized purposes with the explicit consent of the Aadhaar holder. The Act also enforces penalties for any misuse. To protect user privacy, the authentication process is designed to share only the minimum required information, and users are informed of the purpose during authentication. Advanced encryption techniques secure biometric and demographic data both during storage and transmission. To further enhance privacy, UIDAI introduced Virtual ID (VID), which allows users to authenticate without revealing their actual Aadhaar number. The Limited KYC mechanism ensures only essential data is shared with service providers. Tokenization is another layer of security, replacing Aadhaar numbers with unique tokens for each transaction. UIDAI conducts regular audits of all entities using Aadhaar data to ensure compliance with its stringent privacy and security norms. Non-compliant organizations may face suspension or revocation of their access rights. In addition, the Aadhaar Data Vault policy mandates that Aadhaar numbers be stored in encrypted form within a highly secure environment. UIDAI operates within a broader legal framework that includes the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the Aadhaar (Sharing of Information) Regulations, 2016, which govern the conditions for information sharing and the responsibilities of data handlers. Together, these measures ensure a high standard of accountability in the use of Aadhaar data. How does UIDAI regulate Aadhaar-based authentication services to prevent unauthorized use? UIDAI maintains a comprehensive regulatory framework to prevent unauthorized use of Aadhaar authentication services. The Aadhaar Act, 2016 provides the legal foundation, mandating that authentication can only occur with the explicit consent of the Aadhaar holder. Unauthorized use or data sharing is a punishable offense. To ensure compliance, UIDAI operates a three-tiered audit mechanism, conducting regular audits of entities using Aadhaar data. Entities found in violation of UIDAI's standards may face penalties, suspension, or de-boarding from Aadhaar facilities. Further, UIDAI requires all requesting entities designated as Authentication User Agencies (AUA), e-KYC User Agencies (KUA), and Authentication Service Agencies (ASA) to sign formal agreements. Sub-entities (Sub-AUA/Sub-KUA) are also required to enter joint undertakings. These agreements include strict policy guidelines governing Aadhaar use, and any failure to comply can lead to financial disincentives, penalties, or removal from UIDAI's ecosystem. With the rise of digital identities globally, how does UIDAI benchmark Aadhaar's technological infrastructure against similar systems worldwide? Following the successful implementation of Aadhaar, numerous developed and developing countries have recognized digital identity as a foundational digital public infrastructure (DPI) for effective governance. To stay aligned with global advancements, UIDAI actively monitors evolving technologies such as verifiable credentials, selective disclosure mechanisms, and digital identity wallets. However, any adoption of these enhancements is done in a carefully calibrated manner to ensure adherence to UIDAI's core principles of simplicity, inclusivity, and security, without compromising the integrity of its identity framework.
