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The Hindu
5 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
BBMP to float tender for stray dog microchipping project, for third time
The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is set to float a tender for the third time to microchip stray dogs, even as a charitable trust has moved the High Court to challenge the project. The matter is currently sub judice. According to the tender proposal, the project is estimated to cost ₹3.23 crore. Of this, ₹3.09 crore is allocated for procuring 1,62,817 microchips and ₹14.85 lakh is set aside for purchasing 50 microchip readers. A BBMP official overseeing the project explained that each microchip, measuring around 1–1.5 mm, will be injected into the first layer of a dog's skin near the neck using a hypodermic needle. This procedure will be carried out by specialists working under the Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme. As the official noted, the selected contractor will be required to procure the microchips, which are not manufactured in India, and also provide software for storing and managing the associated data. 'Procurement will take place in phases as we complete implanting the previously procured microchips. We will inform the contractor in advance, and they will be responsible for supplying the next batch,' the official told The Hindu, adding that while there is no fixed deadline, the project is expected to be completed within one or two years. The contractor is also required to provide software services, which the BBMP will access for free for a period of one year. After that, the contractor will submit an annual cost estimate, and the BBMP will subscribe accordingly. According to BBMP officials, only two known contractors, one from Gujarat and one from Mumbai, currently meet the eligibility criteria. Suralkar Vikas Kishor, Special Commissioner (Health and Animal Husbandry), BBMP, stated that the first tender, floated in February last year, received no bids. A second tender was issued later that year and awarded to a contractor, but he failed to meet the software service requirements specified in the tender. Meanwhile, the BBMP conducted a pilot project in which microchips were implanted in 500 stray dogs. An audit conducted 15 days later showed no adverse effects on the dogs, and the chips functioned effectively, according to Mr. Kishor. Each microchip will contain a GPS tracker and a Unique Identification Number (UIN), enabling BBMP officials to locate microchipped dogs. The UIN will store data, including vaccination details, the dog's location, and photographs, all of which will be stored on a server accessible via the software. Animal rights activist Arun Prasad called the project illegal. 'ABC rules do not permit the implantation of microchips in free-roaming stray dogs. They only allow private dog owners to microchip their pets for identification purposes,' said Mr. Prasad. A Bengaluru-based charitable trust has filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the High Court challenging the project. The case is currently under judicial consideration.
News18
14-07-2025
- General
- News18
Aadhaar: What It Proves, What It Doesn't And Where The Confusion Really Lies
Last Updated: Aadhaar is a 12-digit unique identity number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), which was set up on January 28, 2009 In India, the Aadhaar card is often treated like a master key, proof of everything from your name to your nationality. But here's the thing: that's not what Aadhaar was designed for. And despite over 140 crore cards being issued since its inception, most people still aren't clear on what it can and can't do. Let's break this down. What Exactly Is Aadhaar? Aadhaar is a 12-digit unique identity number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), which was set up on January 28, 2009, by the UPA government. The project was spearheaded by Nandan Nilekani, who envisioned a digital ID system built on biometric verification, online authentication, and e-KYC. The first Aadhaar number was issued to Ranjana Sonawane, a woman from Maharashtra's Nandurbar district, on September 29, 2010. Since then, it has grown into the largest biometric identity project in the world. Interestingly, the project was initially called the UID Project (Unique Identification Number). The name 'Aadhaar', meaning foundation, was proposed by Nilekani and his core team, and cleared by the Planning Commission and the Prime Minister's Office. Why Aadhaar Was Created The Aadhaar project had clear goals: In short, it was never meant to be a catch-all document, but a tool to streamline public service delivery. What Does Aadhaar Verify If you've ever used your Aadhaar for verification, here's what it's actually confirming: Your Identity – name, photograph, and biometrics (fingerprints, iris scan) Your Address – as submitted at the time of registration That's it. No more, no less. What Aadhaar Does Not Prove This is where most of the misunderstanding creeps in: It does NOT prove citizenship. Just having an Aadhaar number doesn't make you an Indian citizen. Even foreigners residing in India for more than 182 days in the past year are eligible to apply. It does NOT prove your income. There's no financial data attached to your Aadhaar. It does NOT verify your date of birth with legal weight. While Aadhaar carries a date of birth, it's not accepted as final proof in courts, for government jobs, or pension eligibility. A birth certificate or a Class 10 marksheet is required. It does NOT confirm caste, religion, or marital status. None of these are part of Aadhaar's data structure. Where Aadhaar Is Accepted Despite its limitations, Aadhaar plays a big role in day-to-day bureaucracy. It's accepted: Where Aadhaar Is Not Enough There are situations where Aadhaar simply doesn't cut it: Whether for passport issuance or NRC processes, Aadhaar isn't considered a valid document to prove you're Indian. For court matters or official documentation, only a birth certificate or academic records are accepted. You'll need a caste certificate or an income certificate issued separately. What Government And Courts Say Even UIDAI acknowledges that Aadhaar is only proof of identity and address, not citizenship. The Supreme Court, in its 2018 ruling, also made this clear. While the court upheld Aadhaar's use for welfare schemes and PAN linking, it struck down its mandatory use by private entities like telecom companies or banks. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
