(a) whether the Union Government has taken any assistance from State Governments and Panchayati Raj Institutions to ensure speedy implementation of the Multipurpose National Identity Card/ Unique Identity Card Scheme in the country including for citizens on Nepal border and coastal areas;
(b) if so,the details thereof; and
(c) the extent to which issuance of such cards is likely to check illegal stay of foreigners, smuggling of fake currency and terrorist infiltration in the country?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI AJAY MAKEN)
(a) to (c): The Government decided to create a National population register (NPR) in the
country by collecting information on specific characteristics of each individual alongwith
Census 2011. The NPR would have photographs and biometrics of all usual residents who are
of age 15 years and above. The data collection work for Census 2011 and NPR is undertaken
by the enumerators, most of whom are school teachers/government officials, appointed for the
purpose by concerned State/District Administration.
The entire exercise is being conducted under the direct supervision of Tehsildars,
who are designated as Sub-district Registrars and the Collectors/DMs who are designated as
District Registrars under the Citizenship Act, 1955. Further, the Patwari/village officer
is designated as the Local Registrar. The States/UTs Governments have also nominated a
Senior Secretary rank officer as Nodal officer to coordinate the project. Hence the
State/UT Governments are fully cooperating in the exercise. The list of Usual Residents
will be placed in Panchayat Gram Sabha for invitation of objections and claims. The identity
card envisaged under this Project is meant for Usual Residents of the country who are of age
18 years and above. The master NPR database and identity card, once issued, would act as
deterrent to check illegal immigration and infiltration in the country.