By Cdr Ravindra Waman Pathak I.N. (Retd)
Dear ESM Readers
I am writing with a lot of concern with regard to the safety of my personal data like
1. Name Rank
2. Address
3. Spouse and Children Name
4. Telephone and or mobile number
5. Bank details
6. Aadhar card details etc
The concern arises from a WA allegedly originated from AG as follows
Last cards started in 2004 and renewed again in 2010 by Army without Govt approval. Came under CAG and parliamentary scrutiny. There were serious insinuations of malpractice in 2013 and. 2014. The contract was to finish on 31 May 2015.
Not wanting to proceed on accusations of corruption we refused to renew the cards till Govt which controls the finances and CAG which does the audit, approves the card as part of ECHS. We fought for one year and kept giving membership on a paper.
Finally Govt and Finance accepted our contention to issue card with a RFP tendering TEC and PNC procedure. A firm has been contracted to produce a card, Kiosks with card readers and guidance modules. Old chips are not usable as the previous firm hurt by loss of a lucrative contract refuse to provide computer record backup.
In time all 50 lakh card will have to be changed. Presently first those without any formal card which are retirees after 01 Jun 2015 need to be given one.
The portion in red/underlined is a cause of concern. How can my data submitted to the ECHS in true faith me now available to the firm (A private entity) for life time. I am sure that there must have been a clause in the contract on the propriety of the database. But since the firm is reportedly refusing to give back the data there a doubt arises of such a clause was indeed there.
Further what was the obligation of the security and safety of the data and its misuse by the format any stage either during or after the contract was over?Being peeved at loss of contract is no excuse for the firm even if it is owned by an influential person can not be a reason for the data not being given to the army(MD ECHS)
I shall be happy if the authorities revert with a detailed mail on the safety aspect our my personal sensitive data.
Brgds
Pathak
By Cdr Ravindra Waman Pathak I.N. (Retd)
Member Veterans Pension Group
1 Surashri,1146 Lakaki Road
Shivajinagar
Pune 411016
raviwarsha@gmail.com
9822329340
