Multi-purpose IDs for citizens by 2011: PC

The project aims at providing a unique national identity number to each person in the National Population Register,he said.

A pilot project has been under implementation on an experimental basis covering a population of 30.95 lakh

in selected areas in 12 states and one Union Territory. In the coastal districts and Andaman and Nicobar Islands,work has already started, he said.

The identity card is a smart card with a microprocessor chip. The identity smart cards are being issued to citizens above 18 years of age.

The decision to implement the pilot project in the coastal areas has been taken following the Mumbai terror attacks when terrorists came in using the sea route.