UIDAI to have a pragmatic view: Nilekani

BANGALORE, INDIA: UIDAI chairman Nandan Nilakeni said that the unique ID project will leverage the experience gained from earlier efforts and avoid the pitfalls – both from domestic and international, so far.

He also noted that the authority will take a pragmatic view when approaching technological challenges. He clearly delineated on what UIDAI will do or will not and hence the plan to work on a partnership model.

When fully rolled out covering a sizeable population, it will be one of the largest efforts of its kind in the world, said Nilekani, while interacting with Cyber Society of India (CySI) members and professionals here today. The meeting was hosted by Bangalore chapter of CySI and was attended by over 40 members and team members of UIDAI, said a press release.

During the discussion, Nandan Nilakeni said biometrics will be the key determinant of the project, with demographic data supplementing the same. Enrollments will be done by the registrars and sub-registrars, identified as various touch-points.

Nilekani also said data will be collected afresh based on specified norms, rather than taking already available data of various sources. UIDAI will not issue any card; it will issue only a number.

The UIDAI chairman hoped that the first ID is expected to be issued in 12-18 months and about 600 million population will be covered over four years; All, including children and infants will be covered within the scope.

He noted that those below the poverty line, beneficiaries of various social schemes of the country, urban poor many of whom are migrant labor and rural population will particularly gain from the scheme.

CySi chairman Ramamurthy congratulated Nilekani on taking up the current onerous mission and promised all co-operation from CySI, as this mission can be a cornerstone in the healthy and vibrant growth of cyberspace in the country, benefitting all.