First batch of UID numbers by 2010-end, says Nilekani

The first batch of the Unique Identification number is expected to be ready by 2010-end, chairman of the national project Nandan Nilekani said on Wednesday.

"We are hopeful of rolling out the first batch of UID numbers by August or end of next year," he said, adding "We look at Andhra Pradesh as a role model for implementing the UID project as it is in the forefront in using information technology for the masses."

The Unique Identification Authority of India would shortly draw up a plan for implementing the UID pilot project in Andhra Pradesh as the state was ready with a team and required infrastructure, he told reporters after a meeting with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K Rosaiah and Chief Secretary P Ramakanth Reddy.

To buttress his point, he referred to the effective implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Programme in Andhra with the help of IT.

Andhra Pradesh has collected about 50 million Iris images (using bio-metric technology) for public distribution system and also delivering social security pensions. This data could be integrated with the UID data, Nilekani added.

He said the authority would soon publish guidelines for various states for making use of data available with them for the ambitious UID project.

The existing data in states should be made UID-ready in the next six months, he said. The UIDAI will soon set up its regional office in Hyderabad, Nilekani said.

He added there would be emphasis on ensuring there was no duplication of data. "We will blend our technology with that of other agencies and integrate it so that duplication of data is minimised. Biometrics will be used for this purpose," the Infosys co-founder said.

The UIDAI Chairman, who enjoys the status of a Cabinet Minister, said updating the data would not be a problem as everything would be done online.

The UID programme, under which a unique identification number would be provided to each individual in the country, has been designed for continuous updating, he pointed out. Several enrolment centres would be opened for people to submit their finger prints, he said.

Replying to a query, Nilekani said UID would not be mandatory initially. But people will accept it once they see leakages coming down, he noted.