SC denies plea seeking national data base of citizens

The Supreme Court on Monday appreciated a suggestion for creating national data base of citizens for effective implementation of welfare schemes but expressed its reservation over passing any direction to the government. The apex court was of the view that the idea, purportedly aimed at ensuring social and economic security, could be brought to the knowledge of the government. "We are not undermining your claim. You can go to the government. The suggestion is good," a Bench comprising Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan and Justice P Sathasivam said. The Bench was hearing a PIL by an NGO, Indian Social Security, claiming that the national data base of citizen would help in better governance as it would ensure social and economic security for all. However, the Bench said such a measure could not be undertaken when the population of the country was over 110 crore. Gurbinder Singh,president of the NGO, who was himself arguing, submitted that registration of citizens could be done if the apex court passes some direction. He said the scheme was feasible as the government has been spending huge amount on various types of smart cards. However, the Bench which declined to pass any direction, said "probably it could be started at the birth

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