Unique Identification project targets 1 billion Aadhars by 2015

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has been given the target of generating 1 billion Aadhaars by 2015. This includes UID numbers issued in respect of enrolments done under the National Population Register process in 12 states/UTs allocated to it.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) today gave its approval for Phase-V of UAIDI scheme for undertaking enrolments in the four states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh and Uttarakhand.

UIDAI will submit a revised cost estimate for appraisal of the Expenditure Finance Committee based on the comprehensive proposals regarding Aadhaar Sampark Kendra, information, education and communication campaigns, document management system and rent rates, taxes etc.

The UIDAI was established in 2009 with a mandate 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.

As of date, the UIDAI has generated more than 673.8 million Aadhaar numbers since August 2010, when the first such Aadhaar was generated. The total expenditure incurred by UIDAI since inception is Rs4,906 crore (as of 31 August 2014). The UID project aims to ensure inclusive growth by providing digital, online, verifiable identity to all residents, including marginalised sections of society. Besides strengthening equity, this will also enable more efficient delivery of services and effective governance, an official release said.