An idea of the Nagarik app and Indian Aadhaar Card integration aka interoperability surfaced recently. It didn’t come from random netizens or some IT buff. The statement came out via India’s Ambassador to Nepal, Naveen Srivastava. It has drawn debates and controversies. Here, we explore what it is about.
Indian ambassador talks up Nagarik App and Indian Aadhaar Card integration
The Indian ambassador Srivastava said that efforts are being made to reach interoperability between Nepal’s Nagarik App and the Indian Aadhaar Card. He revealed the eye-raising development at the 2nd edition of the Nepal-India Startup Connect organized by the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu.
He said that integrating the two federal services of the respective countries would help citizens with easier travel across the border.
The event aims at creating spaces for collaboration between startups from Nepal and India. Speaking at the event, Srivastava stated that Nepalese startups have already reached the state of developing VR for Disney and have also been listed on the New York Stock Exchange. He was referring to Fusemachines which is listed on NASDAQ. He highlighted Nepal’s increasing growth in the ICT sector.
In recent years, Nepal and India have both solidified their ICT sector corporation, especially in the digital payment department. Nepal-India cross-border payment has begun which lets visitors from each country make mobile payments across the border. Freelancers from both countries do gigs that are offered from both countries. However, the idea of interoperability between the Nagarik App and the Aadhaar Card may not be substantiated.
Why Nagarik App and Indian Aadhaar Card interoperability may not happen?
It’s very unlikely that Nagarik App and Indian Aadhaar Card interoperability will ever happen. Because interoperability between the two could expose Nepali users’ data. The Nagarik App includes the personal and vital information of hundreds of thousands of citizens. They are sensitive and used for government services. If they reach rogue hands, they can be misused and mishandled.
The Indian side would be committed to their fair and secure keeping. However, hackers could get past the security firewalls and exploit them. Cyber security can’t be guaranteed. Soon after Srivastava shared the idea of their integration, many social media users criticized the idea and expressed their skepticism.
You must have seen many individuals asking why was there even a talk of it. Some sternly suggested that the Nepal Government should not even entertain the idea.
Also: Traffic police accepts driving license on Nagarik App
Because of the fear of data leaks and possible implications, it looks unlikely that Nepal would allow the integration of the Nagarik App and the Aadhaar Card of India. Besides, many are also seeing it as a possible threat to sovereignty and security. Because of these concerns, many felt instant discomfort with the idea.
Anyway, Srivastava may have been only expressing his idea and there may not be any concrete work on it. If there is any more to it, we will update them right here.