Cabinet gives nod to fifth phase of UID scheme

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs Wednesday gave its approval to the fifth phase of the Unique Identification (UID) scheme for undertaking enrolment in the four states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh and Uttarakhand

New Delhi: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs Wednesday gave its approval to the fifth phase of the Unique Identification (UID) scheme for undertaking enrolment in the four states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh and Uttarakhand.

With this, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has been given the target of generation of 100 crore Aadhaar cards by 2015, an official statement said. This would include UID numbers issued under the National Population Register process in 12 states/union territories allocated to it.

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"Comprehensive proposals regarding Aadhaar Sampark Kendra, information, education and communication campaigns, document management system and rent rates and taxes etc., will be prepared by the UIDAI and a revised cost estimate submitted for appraisal of the Expenditure Finance Committee," the statement said.

The UIDAI was established in 2009 to generate and assign UID numbers to residents of India. Under the UID scheme, enrolment is done by registrars through enrolment agencies, and the government provides outcome based financial assistance to them.

So far, more than 67.38 crore Aadhaar numbers have been generated by the UIDAI since August 2010. The total expenditure incurred by the UIDAI since its inception is Rs.4,906 crore (as on Aug 31).

The UID project aims to ensure inclusive growth by providing digital, online, verifiable identity to all residents, including marginalized sections of society. Besides strengthening equity, this will also enable more efficient delivery of services and effective governance.

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