Integrating Aadhaar-enabled Direct Benefit Transfers and Geo-IT Systems for Sustainable Development: Evidence from India
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25175/jrd/2025/v44/i4/174225Keywords:
Aadhaar, Geo-IT, Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), digital public infrastructure, spatial analytics, inclusive governanceAbstract
Technology plays a significant role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially in delivering public welfare. This research examines how Aadhaar-enabled Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) and Geo-IT systems could be integrated in the Indian context. It is also found that how integration affects the scheme efficiency, inclusion, and transparency in India. Using spatial data, administrative data, and industry pointers, this study examines how digital identity systems and geospatial analytics have enabled enhanced customer service, reduced Aadhaar account duplication, and thereby promoted evidence-based governance. This study also reveals that fragmented databases, interoperability issues, and uneven digital infrastructure are prevalent in the Indian context. The results highlight the need to bridge such gaps through unified digital ecosystems and institutional reforms. The findings of the study reveal that introducing a technology-policy framework that streamlines welfare systems to align with SDG priorities, particularly in food security, water access, land use, and social protection, is needed in the Indian context and thus provides useful insights into digital governance and inclusive development in emerging economies worldwide.
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