Session
Digital Empowerment Foundation
1. Dhiraj Singha Organization: Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF) Stakeholder Group: Civil Society Regional Group: India Role: Onsite Moderator & Speaker 2. Osama Manzar Organization: Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF) Stakeholder Group: Civil Society Regional Group: India Role: Speaker
1. Dhiraj Singha Organization: Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF) Stakeholder Group: Civil Society Regional Group: India Role: Onsite Moderator & Speaker 2. Osama Manzar Organization: Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF) Stakeholder Group: Civil Society Regional Group: India Role: Speaker
Organization's Website
Speakers
1. Dhiraj Singha
Organization: Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF)
Stakeholder Group: Civil Society
Regional Group: India
Role: Onsite Moderator & Speaker
2. Osama Manzar
Organization: Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF)
Stakeholder Group: Civil Society
Regional Group: India
Role: Speaker
Onsite Moderator
Dhiraj Singha, Assistant Manager, Research & Advocacy Division, Digital Empowerment Foundation
Rapporteur
Akanksha Ahluwalia, Communication Manager, Media & Communication, Digital Empowerment Foundation
SDGs
10.2
16.6
Targets: SDG 10.2: Inequalities are exacerbated by systemic faults in ID systems that disproportionately exclude vulnerable groups (women, migrants, and Dalits). SDG 16.6: Institutional trust is weakened by bureaucratic hold-ups and corruption in ID repairs. The necessity of accountable government is demonstrated by case studies such as authorities requesting bribes to update Aadhaar records.
16.6
Targets: SDG 10.2: Inequalities are exacerbated by systemic faults in ID systems that disproportionately exclude vulnerable groups (women, migrants, and Dalits). SDG 16.6: Institutional trust is weakened by bureaucratic hold-ups and corruption in ID repairs. The necessity of accountable government is demonstrated by case studies such as authorities requesting bribes to update Aadhaar records.
Format
Introduction (3 minutes): Define "time theft" and its link to digital exclusion.
Case Study (4 min)
Data & Systemic Roots (3 min): Highlight flaws in ID systems that institutionalize time theft.
Grassroots Solutions (2 min): Show how DEF’s SoochnaPreneurs reduce correction time from weeks to 2–3 days.
Call to Action (1 min): Demand policy reforms to automate corrections and penalize delays.
Policy Recommendations (2 minutes): Streamlined grievance redressal, decentralized verification.
Q&A (5 minutes): Onsite and online interaction via Slido.
Duration (minutes)
20
Description
This lightning talk will look at how bureaucratic inefficiencies and documentation errors in identification systems lead to "time theft," which means that citizens, particularly those from underserved communities, must spend weeks, months, or even years fixing errors before they can receive basic welfare services. The speaker will use actual cases of people who were refused healthcare, pensions, and food rations because of little ID mistakes to highlight how dealing with intricate correction procedures costs them time, security, and dignity. The session makes the case that "time theft" is a structural impediment to inclusiveness and digital rights. In order to ensure that identity systems actually advance universal access rather than unintentionally restrict it, it will highlight excellent practices and policy changes to reduce these constraints.
1. Interaction Between Onsite and Online Participants Live Q&A via Slido: Both onsite and online attendees can submit questions in real time through Slido (embedded in the IGF virtual platform). The moderator will allocate 5 minutes post-talk to address questions from all participants. Dedicated Online Moderator: A team member will monitor virtual questions and ensure they are prioritized during discussions. 2. Designing for Hybrid Engagement Split-Screen Format: Onsite speakers and virtual attendees will be visible simultaneously on livestreams to foster inclusivity. Time Management: Strict 20-minute limit (15-minute talk + 5-minute Q&A) to maintain focus. 3. Complementary Online Tools Slido: For polls (e.g., “How many days should governments take to resolve ID errors?”) and Q&A. QR Codes in Slides: Onsite/online participants can scan codes to access DEF’s case studies and policy briefs
1. Interaction Between Onsite and Online Participants Live Q&A via Slido: Both onsite and online attendees can submit questions in real time through Slido (embedded in the IGF virtual platform). The moderator will allocate 5 minutes post-talk to address questions from all participants. Dedicated Online Moderator: A team member will monitor virtual questions and ensure they are prioritized during discussions. 2. Designing for Hybrid Engagement Split-Screen Format: Onsite speakers and virtual attendees will be visible simultaneously on livestreams to foster inclusivity. Time Management: Strict 20-minute limit (15-minute talk + 5-minute Q&A) to maintain focus. 3. Complementary Online Tools Slido: For polls (e.g., “How many days should governments take to resolve ID errors?”) and Q&A. QR Codes in Slides: Onsite/online participants can scan codes to access DEF’s case studies and policy briefs