Unique Identification Numbers Bill

The Cabinet today approved the proposal for introducing the National Identification Authority of India Bill, 2010 in Parliament.

The Bill proposes to constitute a statutory authority to be called the National Identification Authority of India and lay down the powers and functions of the Authority, the framework for issuing UID numbers (aadhaar numbers), major penalties and other related matters through an Act of Parliament.

This will involve an expenditure of ` 3023.01 crore which includes project components for issue of UID numbers (called aadhaar numbers) by March 2011, and recurring establishment costs for the entire project phase of five years ending March 2014.

The UID project is primarily aimed at ensuing inclusive growth by providing a form of identity to those who do not have any identity. It seeks to provide aadhaar numbers to the marginalised sections of society and thus would strengthen equity. Apart from providing identity, the aadhaar number will enable better delivery of services and effective governance.
The Bill seeks to establish the National Identification Authority of India for the purpose of issuing aadhaar numbers to individuals residing in India and to certain other classes of individuals, the manner of authentication of such individuals and other related and incidental

matters.

What is UID(unique Identity Numbers)?

Nandan Nilekani, who heads the National Authority for Unique Identity of India aims at provide unique number to all Indians but not smart cards.

Nandan Nilekani said the unique ID number will not substitute other existing numbers a person may have which includes PAN, passport number, ration number. Rather, it will be an additional, unique number to be cited along with existing numbers for different purposes.

This ID cards will help to weed out duplicate cards that are widespread today (notably in BPL ration cards), and, may be, benami bank accounts and property deeds.

Nilekani team will make available a unique ID database to all ministries and other partners, who can then integrate their databases (covering passports, ration cards, job cards, PAN cards) with the unique ID database.

Participation in credit cards is entirely voluntary. This will also be the case with the unique ID scheme. Citizens will not be obliged to get a number. But those that don’t will find it very inconvenient, they will not have access to facilities that require you to cite your ID number.