Anganwadi workers oppose facial recognition tech in ICDS programmes

Anganwadi workers have opposed the Union government’s move to use facial recognition technology (FRT) for the implementation of the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) programmes in Karnataka.

At a public consultation meeting organised by the Karnataka State Anganwadi Workers Union and Bharat Gyan Vigyan Samiti, Karnataka, on Tuesday, they alleged that the FRT would “destroy the privacy, and personal and constitutional rights of the beneficiaries”. They claimed that due to the FRT, around two lakh beneficiaries in the State were likely to be excluded from the ICDS programmes.

Anganwadi workers gathered at the event explained the problems in uploading data as well as fears of data breach. Rajavati Patil, an anganwadi worker from Aland, said that while they are expected to provide photographic evidence of beneficiaries, due to glitches in the software and internet problem, often they are shown as “invalid”, which bars them from accessing benefits.

Sushila, another anganwadi worker from Udupi district, said that before distributing foodgrains, beneficiaries are asked for Aadhaar number and OTP along with their FRT photo. But people refuse to provide the OTP for fear of misuse of money in their bank account.

Dipa Sinha, economist, said that while the Union government had been saying that the FRT would help prevent leakages and make the work of anganwadi workers easier, it had not served either purpose. She pointed out that the Union government was cutting funding for ICDS every year.

Varalakshmi, president of the Karnataka State Anganwadi Workers Union, said the Minister of Women and Child Development of Karnataka and a team of officials have met the Union Minister for Women and Child Development five times and expressed their opposition to the FRT, but to no avail.

Usha, Joint Director of Women and Child Development Department, said that the FRT was adopted to streamline the ICDS programmes and deliver the scheme directly to the beneficiaries, and 88% coverage had been achieved in the State. “The government has not excluded any beneficiaries whose photos are not synced from the FRT. The department will provide technical training to anganwadi workers and also take steps to improve the FRT,” she added.