Two parallel run schemes of the Government, viz. the Adhaar Card and NPR, one as voluntary and the other as compulsory, have led to debates at national levels and also litigations. On merits, discuss whether or not both schemes need run concurrently. Analyse the potential of the schemes to achieve developmental benefits and equitable growth. (UPSC 2014)

Aadhaar and NPR serve different state needs and can coexist if their legal purposes remain distinct. Aadhaar is an identity platform for welfare delivery, while NPR is a residents’ register for planning and administration.

• Merits of running both: Aadhaar helps curb duplication and leakage in DBT, PDS and pensions.
• NPR’s role: It improves enumeration of usual residents, migration tracking, and planning for schools, health and housing.
• Developmental gains: Together, they can better target benefits to the poor, migrants and excluded groups, aiding financial inclusion and equitable growth.
• Concerns: Aadhaar is not proof of citizenship; NPR must not enable profiling, surveillance, or citizenship suspicion without safeguards.

Thus, both need not be merged, but concurrent use is justified only with clear legal separation, data minimisation and strong privacy protection.