(a) whether there is any difference of opinion in the Government
about the Unique Identification Number (UID) and the National Population
Register;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor; and
(c) the details of the efforts being made by the Government to
sort out the difference of opinion?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR PLANNING, SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY AND EARTH SCIENCES
(DR. ASHWANI KUMAR)
(a) & (b): The Registrar General of India (RGI) is creating a National
Population Register (NPR) of persons usually residing in India under the
Citizenship (Registration of Citizens and Issue of National Identity Cards)
Rules, 2003 read with the Citizenship Act, 1955. UIDAI, on the other hand
is issuing Unique Identification numbers (called Aadhaar numbers) to all
residents as a developmental initiative. UIDAI is enrolling residents through
the multiple registrar model. Registrar General of India (RGI) is one
of its Registrars. However, at present the enrolments through the multiple
Registrar model of UIDAI are restricted to 20 crore or up to March 2012. Whether
biometric enrolments will be continue to be done through the multiple Registrar
model or only through the RGI or any other model are the issues under
consideration of Government as certain inter- ministerial issues have
been raised.
(c): The matter is under the consideration of the Government.