Government of India wants to give a unique ID number and a smart card, with biometric data in electronic chip, to every citizen. It aims to improve governance through increased usage of technology. Noble intention, indeed! But how to improve efficiency of people who collect, store and transmit this data into the card and secure databases? Don’t we know the blunders made in printing names, birth dates etc which appear on ration cards, voter cards and other ID proofs? Think about mixing & mis-match of biometric data like fingerprints and iris scan! Considering the sensitivity of electronic chips, and inability of poor farmers & labourers to keep it free of wear & tear, how effective & long lasting such smart cards would be if used regularly? And, in case of frequent replacements, who will bear the cost?