Rebooting India: 8 key ideas
The core ideas of Rebooting India, each in under a minute, written in our own words. Want the full depth? Get the book.
- IDEA 1 OF 8
Technology can transform governance
Nilekani, co-founder of Infosys and first chairman of the body that created Aadhaar, and Shah argue that India can use technology to fix problems in government services.
They describe how well-designed digital systems could reach every citizen.
- IDEA 2 OF 8
Aadhaar gave identity
The authors describe Aadhaar, a unique identity number for Indian residents linked to biometric data.
It aimed to give everyone a reliable identity. In the authors' view, a number that cannot be easily faked gives people a proper way to prove who they are.
- IDEA 3 OF 8
Identity helps welfare
The authors argue that a reliable identity helps deliver benefits to the right people.
Leakage and fraud can be reduced. In the authors' view, when officials can confirm who a person is, help is more likely to reach people who truly need it.
- IDEA 4 OF 8
Direct transfers reduce waste
The authors describe direct benefit transfers, sending subsidies straight to bank accounts.
This bypasses middlemen. In the authors' view, money that goes straight to the person it was meant for is less likely to be lost along the way.
- IDEA 5 OF 8
Platforms enable innovation
The authors describe India Stack, a set of digital platforms for identity, payments and data.
Others can build services on them. In the authors' view, because these building blocks are open, many companies and developers can create useful services without starting from scratch.
- IDEA 6 OF 8
Tax systems can improve
The authors discuss technology for the goods and services tax network.
Digital systems can simplify taxes. In the authors' view, a shared digital system makes it easier for businesses to follow tax rules and for the government to check them.
- IDEA 7 OF 8
Scale requires good design
The authors describe challenges of building systems for over a billion people.
Simplicity and reliability are essential. In the authors' view, a system used by so many people must be easy to use and reliable, or it will fail for many.
- IDEA 8 OF 8
Problems remain
The authors acknowledge concerns such as privacy and exclusion.
They argue that good design and laws can address them. In their view, these worries are real and should be taken seriously, and they suggest that rules and careful design should reduce them.
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