PM invites Nilekani to head unique identification programme

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has invited Nandan Nilekani, co-chairman of Infosys Technologies, to chair an authority that will create a unique identification database of the country's citizens.

As chairperson of the Unique Identification Authority of India, Nilekani would enjoy the rank of Cabinet Minister, the Prime Minister's Office said.

The functioning of the authority and activities to be performed by the UIA would serve multiple objectives. The authority shall have the responsibility to lay down plans and policies to implement the unique identification scheme in the country.

It shall own and operate the unique identification number database and be responsible for its updation and maintenance on an ongoing basis.