UIDAI may be statutory body soon

The move is in sync with the seriousness being attached to this project by the UPA government. The UID scheme was originally meant to be prepared from existing databases,like those being used for public distribution system,and intended to ensure a better delivery of services to the beneficiaries of government schemes and programmes. It was supposed to be executed by the Department of Information Technology and formation of the Authority was not envisaged. The UID Authority under former Infosys CEO Nandan Nilekani,however,has been given a much wider mandate. It has been tasked with the responsibility of providing a unique number to all residents above the age of 15.

Sources said the UID Authority is ultimately envisioned to be merged with the Office of the Registrar General of India,which is the repository of all records relating to citizens,they said.