(a) the details of pilot projects of the Unique Identity Card Scheme which have been implemented so far, State-wise;
(b) the purpose for which the Unique Identity Cards is likely to be utilised by a citizen;
(c) the composition of the Empowered Group overseeing this scheme;
(d) whether representation from the States have also been included in the empowered Committee; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI AJAY MAKEN)
(a) to (e): A Pilot Project on Multi-purpose National Identify Card (MNIC) has been implemented in selected areas of 12
states and one union terriotory viz., Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Delhi, Goa, Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, Tripura,
Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Puducherry, Under this project, data base has been created of
28.62 lakh persons. 12.88 lakh identity (smart) cards have bee issued to those of 18 years of age and above while the
rest have been given a national identity number. The implementation of the Pilot Project has been closed on 31.3.2009.
Based on the experience of the Pilot Project,the Government has proposed to create a National Population Register (NPR) in
the country along with 2011 Census. For the NPR, details on specific characteristics of each individual shall be collected
along with photograph and finger biometrics of all those who are 18 years of age and above.However, the NPR for the coastal
villages in 9 Maritime States of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa and West
Bengal and 4 Union Territories (UTs) of Daman & Diu, Lakshadweep,Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Puducherry, will be created
during 2009-10. This decision has been made with a view to strengthen the security in coastal areas after 26/11 incident.
The scheme has been approved for 3331 coastal villages to be covered in first phase. The remaining coastal areas including
the towns/cities would be covered along with 2011 census.
The Scheme for coastal areas envisages identity cards to be given to all the usual residents who are 18 years of age and
above. However, no such decision has been made for issuance of identity (smart) cards to the usual residents in the rest
the country.
The Government has proposed to set up an Empowered Group which would oversee the Unique Identity
Card Scheme. The composition of the Group will be known after it is formally constituted.