(a) Whether a pilot project for issuing Multi-purpose National Identity
Cards was started in the year 2003;
(b) If so, the total fund granted and spent so far;
(c) Whether the said project has failed to achieve its target;
(d) If so, the reasons therefor; and
(e) The time by which all the persons covered under the scheme are likely
to be issued identity cards?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI MANIKRAO H. GAVIT)
(a) & (b): Yes, Sir; Rs. 44.36 crores have been sanctioned for the pilot project. Of
this, Rs. 12.34 crores has been spent so far.
(c):The main purpose of the pilot project has been to create a test-bed for evaluating
the identity processes and associated technology as well as for identifying the
limitations and pitfalls thereof. The pilot project has helped to provide insights into
the complexities with processes as well as data management and integration, data
retrieval and data warehousing, connectivity etc.
(d) : Does not arise.
(e) : The contract for production and distribution of identity cards to persons of
age 18 years and above in the pilot project areas, has been awarded to the Government
Companies. As per the time schedule agreed with them, the distribution of identity cards
will be completed by May 2007.