First batch of ID numbers in next 18 months: Nilekani
Press Trust Of India / Thiruvananthapuram Sep 30, 2009, 01:11 IST
The first batch of unique identification numbers would be issued in the next 18 months, Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) Chairman Nandan Nilekani today 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.
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