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Building on Digital ID for Inclusive Services: Lessons from India

SDG Impacted

This case study discusses how India has emerged as a leader in building on its biometric digital ID (Aadhaar) to reform service and program delivery. India moved quickly to consolidate the rollout of Aadhaar, and then to embed the unique Aadhaar number into program databases. A range of applications, including digital signature and payments, was then constructed on top of the Aadhaar foundation (the India Stack). The note elaborates on three programs, and specifically highlights achievements as well as challenges that need to be overcome for greater efficiency and inclusion.

Impact / Outcome
India has emerged as a leader in building on its biometric digital ID (Aadhaar) to reform service and program delivery. It moved quickly to consolidate the rollout of Aadhaar, and then to embed the unique Aadhaar number into program databases. A range of applications, including digital signature and payments, was then constructed on top of the Aadhaar foundation (the India Stack).
Funding sources
Government or other public organization
Key Metrics
Population coverage; Access to financial services and mobile services
Locations
India & South Asia, India
Sector
IT and Communications (ICT)
Intervention lever
Indirect government
Operating model
Fully public
Year published
13 September 2019

The EDISON Alliance

A World Economic Forum Initiative