Biometric Governance and Human Rights: The Social and Ethical Implications of Aadhaar in India’s Public Distribution System
O Grace Ngullie
Abstract
Aadhaar, recognised as the world’s largest biometric identification system, has acquired legitimacy within Indian society; however, it has also resulted in exclusions from the Public Distribution System, thereby compromising the right to food. Aadhaar also raises critical ethical concerns relating to surveillance, privacy, the protection of human rights, highlighting the need for democratic technological governance. This empirical study conducted in Nagaland explores the social and ethical implications of Aadhaar biometric governance, revealing its failure to address the subjective conditions of the impoverished marginalised, which may exacerbate exclusion and disempowerment. The ubiquitousness of Aadhaar lacks adequate justification while centralised governance mechanisms falling short of ensuring institutional accountability hinder citizens’ fundamental rights. Addressing these concerns requires a transition toward flexible identification methods and the promotion of decentralisation, which together enhance inclusivity within the PDS. Empowering local governance structures and women’s collectives such as Self-Help Groups is essential for effective welfare management. A paradigm shift is necessary in the approach to technology, moving beyond an exclusively instrumental perspective to one that acknowledges its inherent values. This transition requires the integration of moral reasoning into technological policy formulation to discern beneficial outcomes from harmful ones. The ethical framework surrounding Aadhaar must reflect the moral responsibilities of policymakers, grounded in principles that promote justice and human dignity. Ultimately, fostering a just technological society necessitates a deep commitment to ethical values and democratic engagement, ensuring that technological advancements serve to uplift, rather than exclude.