Unique Identification Authorityof india | chief Nandan Nilekani Concept

Unique Identification Authorityof india | chief Nandan Nilekani Concept

Maintaining that the biggest challenge the country faces today is of an identity divide, Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) chief Nandan Nilekani says that a lack of identity has denied the poor and the marginalized a chance to effectively participate in economic growth.

Nine months after he began his stint in the government set-up, Nilekani told TOI in an exclusive interview that the absence of an identity has only widened the divide between the rich and the poor in the country.

Removing apprehensions that the census exercise — which includes creation of a National Population Register (NPR) by taking biometric details of individuals — would lead to duplication of work, the former IT czar said, "It is very important for UIDAI if the data is collected as per UID standards."

The data collected by the Registrar General of India (RGI) in compliance with the UIDAI standards and specifications can be the basis for issuance of the unique identity number of residents.

Nilekani said that the unique identity number would come free of cost for poor, but those who can afford may have to pay a reasonable amount, which is still being worked out. The former corporate honcho said: "There will be no charge for the poor." For others, the the cost would be reasonable. "It is still being worked out."

The 16-digit number, he said, would be conveyed to the people through letters.

Clarifying the confusion that with the unique number there will be no need for other documents — date of birth or residential certificate — he said: "All documents will be required. But the identity of an individual will be taken care of."

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