The University of California educated bureaucrat was handpicked for this job from Jharkhand where he has implemented a number of e-Governance projects as Principal Secretary of Information Department. With a passion for technology and IT, Mr. Sharma instantly fell in love with this new assignment and its challenges. Aadhaar -the UID brand name and logo communicates that it is a transformational opportunity for individuals across the country which will equalize access to services and resources for the poor.

In an exclusive interview with mediamughals.com, Ram Sewak Sharma passionately talks about his love for data, technology, and of course Aadhaar:

How can media help Aadhaar reach its objectives?

Here is a soft infrastructure which we are creating. It is unique in the sense that a no ID structure is being developed straight into an online ID structure. There is no leapfrogging between paper ID to smart card ID and other intermediate stages. Therefore one needs to really see the value of authentication. People have a lot of misconception on how authentication is done. Our website informs - how authentication works and how we are progressing on that. For the first time in the world, we have a large scale remote biometric authentication system that has been put in place. We would like the media to educate people about the architecture and how it can be leveraged.

What have been the major challenges?

Because of its vastness, India is the perfect case study for a project like UIDAI. The dependency on technology is a critical point. Infrastructural problems such as power cuts affect the way computers and networks function. Many people don't have proper fingerprints, they have faded out. We require high-quality finger-print readers to deal with this problem. Achieving a seamless engagement of agencies such as banks, mobile companies and other utility services providers is necessary to help us establish UID as an acceptable ID proof.

How do you ensure the safety and security of such huge amounts of personal information?

Data is only put onto the grid when we require it. After we extract the features from the bio-metrics raw images, we take them off line so that the information cannot be hacked. We have the world's best intrusion detection system and intrusion prevention system. We have the best professionals who manage the security aspect of Aadhaar. Security is an ongoing exercise. You keep on developing new method of breaching a system and therefore you need to develop a protection for that particular breach to happen.

How do you keep Aadhar updated with the latest in technology? What is your strategy to train people?

As a matter of design, we are putting a modular and platform based approach. Essentially our systems are to interface with other systems to the APIs. We are not tied on to a particular technology. We are promoting open source and open standard platform based sort of an approach which has a very less probability of getting obsolete. So even if we upgrade our internal system, that won't change the APIs and interfaces with the outside world. Once you have well defined interfaces, then the underline changes in the technology at our end or at the other end won't really affect those interfaces.

UIDAI has made training available for all the interested stakeholders. We have developed the training content in collaboration with CMC Ltd and by taking assistance from subject matter experts and senior officials at UIDAI. To enable greater dissemination of training content, the content has been posted on Adhaar website for reference and guidance purposes of training agencies, registrars, enrolling agencies etc.

How does Aadhar plan to get both the extremes- the iPod generation and the illiterate on board? What kind of communication strategy do you have in mind?

We do understand and recognize the power of social media and how it impacts young people. We have included Information, Education and Communication (IEC) as an important process in the enrolment strategy. Its basic objective is to educate all the partners and residents so as to make them aware of the various benefits which can be gained from Aadhaar. We plan to spread the message of Aadhaar through broadcast, print, online, outdoors, sports and entertainment etc.

We also have a support infrastructure through the Registrar and Enrolment Agency. We have decided to fund the activity at the production and execution stage, for all material directly related to the Aadhaar brand. Additional necessities by the Registrar for distribution of information related to their specific needs shall be borne by the Registrar. A dedicated team from UIDAI, along with Advertising & Public Relations agencies has been put in place to work with the Registrar in executing the IEC strategy.