Smart ID cards for coastal residents in India

New Delhi, July 8 (ANI): The Government will issue smart Identity Cards (IDs) to all the usual residents of nine costal states and four union territories as a measure to ensure security in coastal areas following Mumbai terror attacks.

Nine coastal states are Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa and West Bengal and four union territories are Daman and Diu, Lakshadweep, Andaman and Nicorbar Islands and Puducherry.

Replying to questions in the Rajya Sabha, Home Minister P Chidambaram said the scheme would be implemented in two phases.

"In the first phase, three thousand three hundred thirty one villages will be covered during 2009-10.The remaining coastal areas will be covered in the second phase which will be done along with 2011 Census," he added. (ANI)