ISSUE OF MULTI-PURPOSE NATIONAL IDENTITY CARDS TO CITIZENS WILL SERVE A CREDIBLE IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM - SAYS HOME MINISTRY REPORT

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The Ministry of Home Affairs in its Annual Report says a need has been felt for compulsory registration of citizens, and non-citizens illegally residing in the country. Therefore, issue of Multipurpose National Identity Cards to Indian Citizens will serve a credible identification system for multifarious socio-economic uses. This will also serve as a reliable mechanism for identification of persons illegally residing in the country and deterrence against future illegal immigration.

In keeping with this felt need, the Home Ministry entrusted preparation of a Detailed Feasibility Study of National Identity Cards System in the country to a professional consultancy firm. The scope of this study covered all aspects relating to the feasibility of creating an identification system for one billion people, streamlining of the machinery for the registration of births and deaths at the Panchayat level and institutional as well as technological options for creation of an integrated database of personal identities capable of being updated on-line for addition/deletion of approximately 27 million births and deaths in the country every year. The Detailed Feasibility Study Report received from the consultancy firm has been examined in the Ministry. The Government will take up such a gigantic exercise after an in-depth examination of all relevant issues and after necessary preparations for launching the system. This will include giving legislative backing to the whole system, the report added.