Question : SLASHING DOWN BUDGET FOR UID

(a) whether the Empowered Finance Committee has slashed the budget of the Unique Identification Authority of India for rolling out nearly 60 crore Unique Identification Numbers in the first phase by nearly 50 per cent and also iron out issues about duplication in its methodology as reported in the media;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefore ;

(c) whether the Unique Identification Authority of India is likely to reduce its target of issuing Unique Identification numbers from 60 crore to 10 crore as a result of the slashing of the budget; and

(d) if so, the steps taken by the Government to ensure rolling out of UID number as per the schedule of the UIDAI?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PLANNING AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI V. NARAYANASAMY)

(a) & (b): No, Madam. UIDAI has set a target of enrolling 60 crore residents in 4 years. 10 crore enrolments is the target for the current financial year 2010-11. Phase-I of the UID Programme comprised setting up necessary infrastructure at Headquarters and regional offices, testing facilities and standards in operational areas and putting the manpower and processes to kickstart the programme in place. Issue of UID numbers through multiple Registrars is part of Phase-II of the programme. The UIDAI’s approach is to leverage the existing infrastructure of Government and Public Sector agencies across India. The residents will be enrolled into the UID system just once. Duplication of methodology is therefore, not a concern.

(c): Does not arise.

(d): UID project activities are being carried out as per plan. The first set of UID numbers are expected to be rolled out between August, 2010 and February, 2011.