Thiruvananthapuram: The first batch of
unique identification numbers would be issued in the next 18
months, Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI)
Chairman Nandan Nilekani on Tuesday said.
Nilekani stated this while briefing top Kerala Government
officials here on the preparations to be made for the issuance
of UIDAI numbers for citizens, official sources said.
Nilekani told the meeting attended by Chief Secretary
Neela Gangadharan that the unique numbers issued to citizens
would not replace the existing ID cards, but could be used for
availing benefits of various welfare schemes being taken up by
the government for the less privileged sections of society.
There would be a one-time registration fee of Rs 30 to Rs
40 for the identification number, he said adding who would
bear the cost was a political decision to be taken later.
The Unique Identification number would be made mandatory
over a period of time, he said.
Nilekani also explained the various aspects of the
proposed identity number and its benefits to the citizens.
Besides Chief Secretary, heads of all government
departments took part in the meeting.
Bureau Report
First Published: Tuesday, September 29, 2009, 21:27