I do not have a birth certificate. Even though I was born in the capital city of the biggest province in India, my birth was never registered. Luckily, I went to school where they recorded my date of birth and my high school certificate gave me an identity. Now, I also have a passport and I can prove who I am.

However, hundreds of millions of my compatriots are not so lucky. They do not have any legal proof that they exist! There is a great divide in India between identity-haves and identity-have-nots.  Those without an identity are barred from exercising basic rights and face severe constraints in accessing productive employment, social benefits and the justice system.

It also denies them recognition as full citizens and the right to political participation. Electoral rolls in some parts of India can be full of ‘ghost’ voters, while a large number of citizens are denied the basic right to vote.

— blogs.adb.org/blog