What are the challenges in ensuring transparency and reliability in digital attendance systems for welfare schemes?
The Centre has reported manipulation in the MGNREGS digital attendance system. I want to explore the potential issues and solutions for maintaining transparency and accountability in technology-driven welfare programs.
Digital attendance systems are increasingly used in welfare schemes like MGNREGS to improve accountability and reduce leakages. However, recent reports of manipulation highlight several challenges in ensuring transparency and reliability in such technology-driven systems.
- Technical Manipulation: Digital systems, such as biometric or app-based attendance, can be hacked or tampered with. Fake or proxy attendance can be marked using loopholes in the software or hardware.
- Connectivity Issues: Many rural areas lack stable internet and electricity, leading to delayed or failed attendance uploads. This creates opportunities for backdated or manipulated entries.
- Data Privacy and Security: Storing sensitive personal data raises concerns about unauthorized access, data breaches, and misuse of information.
- Lack of Digital Literacy: Workers and field officials may not be well-trained to use digital devices, making them dependent on intermediaries who may exploit the system.
- Device Malfunction and Maintenance: Frequent breakdowns or poor maintenance of biometric devices or smartphones can disrupt the attendance process and create loopholes for manipulation.
- Insufficient Monitoring: Inadequate real-time monitoring and audit mechanisms make it hard to detect and prevent irregularities promptly.
- Exclusion Errors: Genuine beneficiaries may be excluded due to technical glitches, biometric mismatches, or lack of proper documentation.
- Pressure on Field Staff: Field staff may face pressure to show inflated attendance to meet targets or due to political interference, leading to manipulation.
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6 hours ago