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Nilekani to have Rs 120 crore for ID card project

July 06, 2009 18:18 IST

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) set up recently by the government, will establish an online data base with identity and biometric details of Indian residence and provide enrolment and verification services across the country.

This was stated by the Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee while presenting the Budget proposals for the year 2009-10 in Lok Sabha on Monday.

The first set of unique identity numbers will be rolled out in 12 to 18 months.

A provision of Rs 120 crore (Rs 1.20 billion) has been proposed for this project. Mukherjee stated that the setting up of the UIDAI is a major step in improving governance with regard to delivery of public services.

Expressing happiness, the finance minister said that this project also marks the beginning of an era where top private sector talent in India steps forward to take the responsibility for implementing the projects of vital national importance. -- PIB

PIB