Petroleum Ministry assures all help to Unique Identification Authority

New Delhi, July 15 (ANI): The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has assured to extend full cooperation to the newly formed National Authority for Unique Identity (NAUI) in the compilation and classification of nationwide data of citizens for the proposed exclusive identification cards.

This was disclosed by Petroleum Minister Murli Deora after Nandan Nilekani, Chairman of the NAUI called on him here on Tuesday.

Later addressing the media persons, Nilekani said that the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas would be a vital medium in the compilation of the massive database since its network caters to the supply and distribution of petroleum products all over the country.

Nilekani, who is one of the co-founders of Infosys, also highlighted that the oil marketing companies which function under this ministry have direct as well as indirect link with almost all the citizens.

As such the ministry can ascertain the authenticity of the inputs and relevant feedback, he said.

"To make this Unique ID project work, we need complete partnership and cooperation among all the stake holders. I think the Petroleum Ministry is a very important stake holder because they are distributing petrol, diesel, LPG and kerosene to individuals. If there is a way, we can partner together to be able to have the unique IDs for the individuals that they service. That will be a huge boon for them, for U-IDs and for the country," he added.

He also noted that the unique identification number to each individual citizen in the country would help the government's endeavour to streamline and direct the subsidies as well as put a stop to possible malpractices.

It was also underlined that synchronisation of the data, standardisation of the biometric information and the technology will go a long way in serving the purpose of the authority and the oil sector.

The Government appointed Nilekani as the Chairman of the NAUI that will function under the Planning Commission.

In January, the Government had notified the creation of the NAUI. The ambitious plan of unique identification has been allocated rupees 100 crore in the interim budget of 2009-10. (ANI)