Govt considering issuance of multipurpose ID cards

New Delhi, Mar 4 (UNI) The Union government has proposed to issue multi-purpose National Identity (smart) Card (MNIC) to the citizens across the country, Minister of State for Home Sri Manikrao H Gavit said in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.

Though the Union Government has not received any reports from any State Government for issuing Photo Identity Cards mandatory for citizens of neighbouring countries residing in these States, the government has proposed to issue multipurpose ID cards, the minister said.

He said the project envisages providing unique National Identity Number (NIN) to each person in the National Population Register (NPR). However, keeping in view the complexities involved both in the processes and technology, a pilot project has been under implementation on an experimental basis covering a population of 30.95 lakhs in the selected areas in 12 States and 1 Union Territory namely; Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Delhi, Goa, Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttaranchal, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Pudducherry.

An amount of Rs 44.36 crores has been sanctioned for the pilot project. Under the pilot project, identity (smart) cards are being issued to the citizens of age 18 years and above.

The production and distribution of identity cards had been undertaken through Central Public Sector Undertaking (CPSUs).

This was to be completed by July, 2007. However, due to the time consumed in sourcing or raw materials and stabilization of rejects during personalization, the project will now be completed by March 2008.

It is proposed to implement the scheme in the entire country in the light of the experiences gained and lessons learnt from the pilot project.

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