It is encouraging to learn about the government's plan to streamline vital certification services by bringing national identity (NID) cards and other essential records under a single authority. Reportedly, the Cabinet Division has prepared a draft ordinance to establish a dedicated body overseeing the preparation of NID cards, birth and death registrations, marriage, divorce, and adoption records, etc. The draft also proposes implementing a robust unique ID system, integrating it with various service delivery processes. However, while having a centralised authority for managing citizens' data is logical—as it could reduce public hassles and enhance service efficiency—there are also significant challenges associated with it.

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Simplify the birth registration process

At present, different government bodies oversee various civil registration processes. While NID-related services are provided by the Election Commission (EC), the Directorate of Registration under the Law and Justice Division handles marriage and divorce data, and the Directorate General of Health Services collects health data, including causes of death. NID services include issuing secure national identity cards, maintaining a national citizen registration database, and providing identity verification services to qualified public and private entities.

At present, different government bodies oversee various civil registration processes. While NID-related services are provided by the Election Commission (EC), the Directorate of Registration under the Law and Justice Division handles marriage and divorce data, and the Directorate General of Health Services collects health data, including causes of death. NID services include issuing secure national identity cards, maintaining a national citizen registration database, and providing identity verification services to qualified public and private entities.

However, as proposed in the draft ordinance, a new entity—named the Civil Registration Commission—would be the central authority overseeing all these data related activities, including NID services. It remains unclear how the entire process will function, and experts have differing opinions on the matter. For instance, the chief election commissioner believes that NID services should remain under the Election Commission, especially as the country prepares for a national election. On the other hand, the registrar general (Birth and Death Registration) argues that integrating NID and birth registration under one authority will expedite citizen services. Given these differing perspectives, we think thorough discussions among all stakeholders are necessary before a decision is made. The government may also consider delegating NID services to the proposed Civil Registration Commission while allowing the EC to retain authority over voter list-related functions, as some have suggested.

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Personal data still in danger

If a central agency is indeed tasked with managing all citizens' data and certifications, it must be able to ensure strict data security measures as well as uninterrupted services. We know how the previous government's failure to protect citizens' data led to numerous scams and security breaches—something that must not happen again. The primary goal of a central data authority should be to provide citizens with secure, efficient, and hassle-free services.