Govt taskforce for NID-based open data platforms

A task force of the interim government has recommended establishing NID-based open data platforms, reports BSS.

"Establishing open data platforms based on the National Identity (NID) system similar to India's Aadhar card - can revolutionise service delivery across numerous sectors," according to the report of the task force.

It provided the recommendation as these platforms can facilitate access to finance, efficient distribution of subsidies, social protection programmes, tax compliance, bank account openings, and meeting Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements.

The taskforce said digital intervention has already been tested successfully in other contexts and promises to have a transformative, economy-wide impact.

It proposes improving government efficiency saying there is substantial scope for efficiency gains within government operations.

"Strategies to enhance operational efficiency may include transitioning to paperless offices, minimising ceremonial and protocol-related expenses, reducing unnecessary construction of facilities, and limiting the frequency of meetings to save time and resources," the taskforce says.

Identifying and implementing these 'minor adjustments' collectively can result in significant improvements in government efficiency, the taskforce also said.

It suggests removing political influence from the banking sector since a powerful vested interest group has played pivotal role in weakening the sector for decades. "This needs to be dismantled," it says.

Noting that the Bangladesh Bank must be allowed to function independently, as per the Bangladesh Bank Amendment Bill 2003, the taskforce said a single individual or group of individuals should not be allowed to obtain majority ownership of more than one commercial bank.

"No new bank licenses should be given out on political grounds. Use of public funds to recapitalise poorly governed commercial banks needs to stop. An exit policy for troubled banks should be formulated to protect the depositor interest," it says.

Education and Planning Adviser Professor Wahiduddin Mahmud handed over the report of the taskforce on "Re-strategising the Economy and Mobilising Resources for Equitable and Sustainable Development" to Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on January 30.

The 12-member taskforce was formed on September 10 to reframe the development strategies, find out leakages in financial system and restore discipline in project implementation.