Montek Singh raises 'technical questions' on Universal Identity Card

New Delhi, Jan 7 (ANI): Planning Commission, Deputy Chairman,Montek Singh Ahluwalia has said that there is a need to address and resolve certain technicalities in the Universal Identification Card(UID) programme.
He said this on the sidelines of an event in New Delhi on Saturday.
Singh made this remark in the context of several technical queries raised by some central lawmakers on the Planning Commission going ahead with instituting Unique Identification Authority of India (UIAI) to execute the UID programme. Their contention was there exists another similar organ, National Population Register (NPR) that functions under the Home Ministry.
Earlier in the day, the Planning Commission had rejected the Home Ministry's suggestion to make the UID card that could be swiped.
"I know that we are responsible for pushing forward the UIDAI proposal. We are not actually opposing what the NPR is doing. But I believe there are some technical questions as to what kind of biometrics are necessary and they must have given their comments. But this will go to the EFC (Expenditure Finance Committee) and the EFC will take a combined view. It is the job of the Planning Commission to criticise every proposal in a constructive kind of way," said Ahluwalia.
He also stated that the modus operandi of UIADAI is more effective since it is based on data compiled on a wide range of parameters as compared to the NPR.
"We had suggested that what the UIDAI is doing is actually better because all the detail is centrally stored. And you identify, you give the person concerned an ID number. And basically through any kind of secure mobile network you can authenticate the person's ID. There is no swiping of a card. But which is better, that is up to them to decide," added Ahluwalia.
Singh further added that the Planning Commission can only advise regarding the matters of the UID card and the main decision rests with the government regarding its overall implementation.
The UID card is an identification card mooted by the federal government to establish a centralised identity system for all bona-fide Indian citizens.
The UID scheme action plan, conceptualised by Nandan Nilekani, has run into a controversy with lawmakers questioning its utility. (ANI)

The UID scheme, initiated by the UPA government is one of its better schemes and should be encouraged by all. It does not surprise me that some of the other organisations who also do the similar job are trying to discredit the scheme. They would. They have a hand in increasing corruption by not keeping a useful data dank of India's population.

This scheme should be extended in the first phase to all police stations, post offices, banks and other offices of state and central government and undertakings. In the second stage it could be extended to private organisations.In the third stage, the unorganized sectors too should be covered.

All persons who are employed in the above sectors should have a UID card.
All police stations should have computers with Data Bank of all the UID card holders. It may seem expensive initially but in the long run it would result in immense savings.

Last Tuesday, my wife and I got our UID card from the Lake Town branch of Central Bank of India.
You have to go there with some address proof which may be ration card, Voter ID card, Passport, Bank Passbook, etc etc. carry a xerox copy of the same, signed on both sides.
The UID appointed personnel will see the original and copy and then give you an application form which you can fill and submit.
He will check the application form and the attached proof of address and then call you after about two hours.
At around the called time, he will call you and then take your photograph, Iris scan, finger prints of all ten figures, all in front of a computer monitor and you will be asked to confirm the details on the computer.On your confirmation he will give you a signed receipt.
The UID card will reach your home within three months.

All persons in India who read this should get their UID card.