In a first,PM to head EGoM for Unique Identification project

The proposed EGoM goes a step ahead of the inter-ministerial council headed by the Prime Minister,suggestions of which would have to be cleared by the Cabinet for their implementation. However,sources in the government said,“The EGoM route will cut red tape,as a decision taken by the group could be implemented right away.”

The proposed project is perhaps one of the biggest challenges faced by the government as it seeks networking at several levels to acquire the data to initiate the project. The Unique Identification Number would not be in the form of a card,but will be included in important documents such as election cards,PAN cards and bank accounts.

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) will be working with state administrations,the Central government besides over 20 agencies — like the Income Tax department — to roll out the identity numbers. The first batch of the numbers are likely to be issued next year. Creating and managing a biometric database of an over 100 crore population besides compressing four megabytes of data to store the compressed fingerprint images of each individual would require immense work.

The EGoM will also look into the issue of ensuring better coordination between the UIDAI and different government bodies,both at the Central and state levels,to facilitate its functioning and help it meet targets. The Authority has pledged to roll out UID numbers for 60 crore Indians within 4-5 years.

Nandan Nilekani,who chairs UIDAI,is understood to be seeking a legal framework for the Authority. The key objective of the project is to minimise the need for multiple identity proofs for citizens while availing any government service,or for private needs like opening bank accounts or seeking telephone connections. It is banking on several options on biometrics like fingerprint,face identification,retina identification and DNA testing.