Avid newspaper readers might have noticed the unusual hype that is being created in most Delhi-based English papers ever since Nandan Nilekani has assumed charge of the Unique Identification Authority, a union government's project.Not a day passes without Nilekani's photograph or stories about his style of working. It was understandable in the initial days but weeks after the decision came, Nilekani remains in the spotlight.
Among the other newspapers, Indian Express has clearly gone overboard. Day after day the reports tell the 'laymen' (readers) as if its a revolutionary change and Nilekani will do wonders. Photos of the techie in various moods keep getting published every other day.
It's true that he is an eminent software professional and was CEO of Infosys. But the project appears a fantasy. Anybody who is aware of ground realities knows that in a country where millions are homeless and tens of millions keep changing rented homes apart from nomads and destitute, it's a near impossible task to give unique identity numbers of every citizens.
Our bureaucratic setup makes it almost impossible for the poor and the lower middle class citizen to get his due rights and privileges. However, even if Nilekani is the best man to do such a colossal exercise, shouldn't we let him do work before we keep eulogising him for nothing?
Is it a PR exercise or the newspapers are simply making a fool of themselves by going to absurd lengths to promote and project him. I doubt that a person like him would want to have such publicity (for no reason), as it may also bring expectations that might be difficult to fulfil.
