Govt approves Rs 3,436 cr for Phase IV of Aadhaar scheme

The government today approved Rs 3,436.16 crore for Phase IV of the UID (Aadhaar card) scheme, which will commence immediately.

The decision to approve Phase IV of the UID project at the cost of Rs 3,436.16 crore was taken here at a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Unique Identification Authority of India (CC-UIDAI), an official statement said.

The Phase IV expenditure comprises Rs 1,600 crore towards cost of enrolments for additional 40 crore residents; Rs 490 crore towards cost of updation services; Rs 1,049 crore towards cost of printing and dispatch of Aadhaar letters; Rs 247.16 crore towards additional cost for construction of buildings for headquarters, data centres and non-data centres of UIDAI.

According to the statement, Phase IV of the UID project will commence immediately. Since the launch of the project on September 29, 2010, UID numbers have been issued to more than 31 crore residents.

The enrolment for additional 40 crore residents allotted to UIDAI will be completed by March 2014. UID numbers will also be issued in respect of enrolment data packets received through Registrar General of India (RGI) as per their committed time lines.

The UID project is providing unique numbers to all the residents of India. It primarily aims at ensuring inclusive growth by providing ID to those who do not have any reliable identification document.

UID numbers will also help marginalised sections of the society by enabling better delivery of services and effective governance.

UIDAI was constituted on January 28 2009 as an attached office of the Planning Commission.