Govt gives nod to data collection norms for Unique ID project

Government today gave in-principle approval for adoption of standardised approach for collection of demographic and biometric attributes, including iris scan, of residents by various bodies for UID project.

The approval was given at a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Unique Identification Authority of India related issues (CC-UIDAI), UIDAI Chairman Nandan Nilekani said here.

To provide unique identity numbers to all residents of India, the UIDAI proposes to collect data through various agencies of central and state governments and others who, in normal course of their activities, interact with residents. These entities are described as "Registrars" of the UIDAI.

Explaining the significance of the decision, Nilekani said a final approval will make it essential for any data collecting department or organisation in the country to adopt the UIDAI standards.

This includes collection of demographic (name, age, sex, age among others) and biometric attributes of residents namely face, all ten fingerprints and iris scan for the UID project.

"It was also decided to include data of the iris for children in the age group of five to 15 years. The same standards and processes would be adhered to by the Registrar General of India for the National Population Register (NPR) exercise and all other Registrars in the UID system," Nilekani said.

He said the biggest partner for the UIDAI was the NPR followed by the Rural Development Ministry through the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme.

The first set of the 12-digit unique set of numbers will be issued between August 2010 and February 2011. Thereafter, 600 million UID numbers will be issued in the next five years.

Nilekani said talks were also on with the Finance Ministry among others for various projects that could be tied up with UID including issuing of pan cards.

Apart from providing identity, the UID will enable better delivery of services and effective governance.

The UID project is primarily aimed at ensuring inclusive growth. It especially seeks to provide UID numbers to the marginalised sections of society.

CC-UIDAI was formed in October 2009 to look into all issues relating to UIDAI including its organisation, plans, policies, programmes, schemes, funding and methodology to be adopted for achieving the objectives of the Authority.