The much-awaited Aadhar project of the union government for providing a unique 12-digit ID number to each citizen started in Surat on Friday. The project has started in two places in Gujarat - Ahmedabad and Surat.
Katargam zone was selected by authorities for collecting information for the project. The work started at DD Radadiya School in Katargam and 300 people submitted their details at the centre. In coming days, data collection work will be carried out in other zones as well.
Officials said that due to lack of awareness among people, turnout was low on the first day. There is no charge for getting a UID number.
The project was initiated to provide a concrete identity proof to Indian citizens. It was launched at Tembhli village in Maharashtra in September 2010.
Mantra Softech India Pvt Ltd has been entrusted with implementing the data collection by Central Bank of India. The union government selected the bank to collect data for UID number in Gujarat and Maharashtra.
“Apart from other relevant information, fingerprinting, photo and eye scanning of person is also done. This will prevent duplication of identity of a person,” said Rajesh Radadiya, president of DD Radadiya School.
While all equipment has been provided by Mantra Softech, staff has been deployed by the school administration.
Those who registered themselves sounded excited. “This is really a praiseworthy attempt by the union government and I am eagerly waiting to get my UID number. UID should be made compulsory at all government offices, to prevent fraud and misappropriation,” said Hitesh Sojathiya, a resident of Gotalawadi.
