The role of primary research and big data to evaluate Aadhaar
Featured Speakers: Ronald Abraham, partner at IDinsight and Elizabeth Bennett, manager at IDinsight
Discussant: Ajay Shah, professor, National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP), New Delhi
Chair: Radhika Menon, senior policy and advocacy officer, 3ie
Date: 22 September 2017
Abstract
Aadhaar has become a seemingly ubiquitous component of a wide range of government and private sector services. However, there are significant gaps in our understanding of Aadhaar’s coverage and performance—especially when it comes to understanding the full range of impacts of the identity system.
In this seminar, IDinsight’s Ronald Abraham and Elizabeth Bennett presented excerpts from their State of Aadhaar Report 2016-17, which provides an overview of the Aadhaar landscape and highlights areas for future research. The conversation then pivoted to the role of primary research and big data in evaluating Aadhaar.
IDinsight’s State of Aadhaar initiative aims to catalyse discourse and inform decision-making in the Aadhaar ecosystem. To achieve this objective, the State of Aadhaar website provides up-to-date data, research, news, and official documentation on Aadhaar.
About the speakers
Ronald Abraham is a partner at IDinsight, based in New Delhi, India. He has experience working in employment training, governance reform, education, nutrition, and digital identity. Ronald holds a bachelor’s degree with honors in Economics from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University, and an MPA in International Development from Harvard Kennedy School.
Elizabeth Bennett is a Manager at IDinsight, based in New Delhi, India. Elizabeth brings experience in entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, community development, and digital identity. Elizabeth holds bachelor’s degrees in Economics and Organizational Development from Vanderbilt University and a master’s degree in Public Policy from Harvard Kennedy School.