Nandan Nilekani, chairperson of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) set up to issue unique identity numbers to Indians, is set to begin the project in Karnataka. On Saturday, Nilekani met chief minister BS Yeddyurappa to seek support for the project. Assuring the state’s cooperation, Yeddyurappa told Nilekani that the project implementation would begin without delay.
Karnataka has been selected for a pilot project to implement the ambitious project. “After I assumed charge as a head of UIDAI, I am meeting all the chief ministers, seeking their support for the project. The CM has assured full cooperation,” said Nilekani.
The UIDAI would begin issuing unique ID numbers by February 2011, and intends to issue IDs to 600 million citizens in four years. “India will be the first country to implement a biometric-based unique ID system for its residents on such a large scale. In the beginning, we selected three states, including Karnataka. We’ll implement the project first in Karnataka,” said Nilekani.
On Friday, the UIDAI floated tenders to shortlist service providers for the project. The authority has invited IT consulting companies to provide “consultancy services to UIDAI for setting up Central ID Data Repository (CIDR). The CIDR will issue UID numbers, update resident information and authenticate the identity of the residents as required. The notification also sought selection of managed service provider (MSP).”
“Since Bangalore is the IT capital of India, the world is looking at the city. We are planning to set up a technology centre for the UID project in Bangalore. From here, we will send the cards to other states,” he added. “The last date for submitting tender forms for both services is January 15. The forms for the request for proposal (RFP) document can be downloaded from the UIDAI website or can be procured directly from the UIDAI deputy director-general’s office in New Delhi,” said an official.
The department of e-governance is expected to execute the project in Karnataka. The department is in the process of identifying two districts — one urban and one rural — to begin the project. There’s also an attempt to get information from the department of food and civil supplies. The proposed ID cards will be ‘smart cards’, which will carry information of each individual, his/her finger biometrics and a photograph.
A unique National Identity Number will be assigned to each individual, including those below 18 years of age.
