Government Unveils New Digital ID Policy

The government has officially unveiled a nationwide digital identification policy aimed at modernizing how citizens interact with public services. The initiative is part of a broader digital governance strategy intended to reduce paperwork, eliminate duplicate records, and improve service delivery efficiency. Officials stated that the new system will centralize identity verification across multiple departments, allowing citizens to access services through a single verified identity rather than submitting documents repeatedly.

According to the Ministry of Information Technology, the digital ID will integrate with services such as banking, taxation, healthcare, education enrollment, and social welfare distribution. Authorities claim the platform uses encrypted authentication methods and multi-factor verification to prevent identity theft and fraud. Pilot testing in selected regions has reportedly shown faster processing times and reduced administrative burden for both citizens and government staff.

Despite these assurances, civil society groups and digital rights advocates have expressed concerns regarding data privacy and long-term surveillance risks. They argue that without a strong legal framework governing data use, the system could be misused. The government has responded by promising transparent oversight, independent audits, and public consultation before the full-scale rollout.