If this was proposed for a 'developed' country, there would rightly be uproar from civil liberties groups, citizens etc. But because it's happening in an 'underdeveloped' country, it's somehow acceptable. I understand the challenges faced by the Indian government in providing services to a such a huge population but this approach is open to rampant abuse by the 'middlemen' and by elements in the government itself. Any self-respecting 'security' agency would get their tentacles into something like this asap. Doubtless, they're already involved in the implementation on the quiet.
My mistake, apologies. PhD would have made more sense.
I thought the guy's background was interesting. It shows the utility of software/computing for solving such diverse problems as oil exploration and poor pitch using similar techniques. I find that amazing.