Question : MULTI PURPOSE NATIONAL IDENTITY CARD

(a) whether the Government proposes to issue Multi-purpose Identity Cards to all the citizens in the country including those in coastal areas;

(b) if so, the time by which such identity cards are likely to be provided to the citizens;

(c) whether the Government has any information on illegal Bangladeshi migrants having acquired ration cards, PAN cards etc.;

(d) if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether the Government has finalised the National Population Register (NPR) project in conjuncture with Census Operations of the year 2011 as reported in The Times of India dated 22 January, 2009;and

(f) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS(DR. SHAKEEL AHMAD)

(a) to (f): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (f) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 31 FOR 17.2.2009.

(a) to (f): The Government has decided that a National Population Register (NPR) would be prepared for which details on specified characteristics shall be collected in respect of each individual at the time of next decennial Census in 2011. This information will include the photographs and finger biometrics of all those who are 18 years of age and above.The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), which is set up under the aegis of Planning Commission, will manage the database as well as its updating.

The Government has decided to create the NPR for the coastal villages ahead of 2011 Census in 2009-10. The first phase of the project would cover the coastal villages of 9 Maritime States and 4 UTs. Identity (smart) cards are proposed to be issued to all those of 18 years of age and above in the coastal areas.

Illegal Bangladeshi migrants are not entitled to receive ration cards, PAN cards, etc.Action is taken for cancellation by the concerned authority as and when such cases are reported or discovered.