The Agency ready for Action

An agency of the Indian government, the unique identification authority of India has been tasked with implementing the multi purpose identification card by providing all Indians with a unique identification number and data basing information about residents along with their basic biometric data. The agency was established in the February of 2009 and holds a cabinet rank under the planning commission of India. The national ID card project is estimated to create 100,000 new jobs in the country, and business opportunities worth Rs 6,500 crore (US$ 1.34 billion) in its first phase. In order to get the ball rolling for the agency, the Union Labor Ministry has offered its verified Employment Provident Fund (EPFO) database of 42 million citizens as the first database to be integrated into the unique ID system.

The primary role of the UID Authority will be responsible for creating and maintaining the core database. The UID will also establish all necessary procedures for issuance and usage of UID. These include arrangements for collection, validation and authentication of information, proper security of data, rules for sharing and access to information and safeguards to ensure adequate protection of privacy.

Here is the official press release from the Indian Government regarding the nation ID card project. http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=44711