Universal Benefits Architecture (UBA)

The proposed reimagined system emphasizes data ownership by beneficiaries fostering trust in the system. UBA is designed to be an interoperable solution leveraging Digital Public Goods (DPG) and open-source solutions to create a more efficient, transparent, and user-centric model. It will enable

Decentralized Record Issuance and Digital Storage: To ensure reliable data, it is important to have records managed by an authorized authority. For example, a school or education department should maintain an attendance certificate and authenticate student records. A clear data policy is needed to guide how student data is managed and shared, defining the roles of different government departments. Using Digilocker to address trust, data privacy, and consent helps create an efficient system that respects users' rights and privacy.

Data Ownership: The reimagined system proposes that data should be owned by the beneficiaries themselves. By empowering citizens with control over their data, the system ensures greater accuracy and reliability. Data would be verified once and entered into the system by authorized "registrars" (such as Headmasters or Institutional Nodal Officers), who would authenticate records like academic certificates and eligibility proof documents and emit them into the beneficiary’s Digilocker profile. Certificates and other documents once attested, issued, and stored in the Digilocker profile of the beneficiary, will ensure that data is both reliable and easily accessible. This approach enhances trust in the data, reducing the need for repeated submissions of documents by beneficiary, multiple verifications by scheme provider and thus speeds up the benefit delivery process.

Digital Public Goods (DPG) and Open Source: The use of DPG and open-source solutions is crucial for ensuring that the system is not confined to a single vendor or technology stack. By allowing any state to implement the code and enabling replication by both government and private entities, we avoid vendor lock-in and encourage continuous evolution and improvement of the system. Institutionalizing these solutions like UIDAI ensures sustainability and broad adoption, providing significant long-term value to citizens.

Network Approach: UBA will be implemented on an open network to create a seamless and interconnected ecosystem for benefit delivery. The open network approach allows multiple beneficiaries facing applications created by the ecosystem to distribute benefits to the last mile.

This open network approach facilitates real-time discovery and matching of beneficiaries with relevant schemes. It enables various entities, such as government departments, CSR firms, and non-profit organizations, to access up-to-date, verified data stored in beneficiaries’ DigiLocker accounts with the beneficiary consent.