[Reader-list] News Items posted on the net on Multipurpose National Identity Cards-7

[Taha Mehmood]

http://www.defenceindia.com/24-jun-2k2/news18.html
New Delhi, June 25, 2002 (PTI)

Kalam for National citizens card for ensuring info security

Expressing concern over the threat of electronic attacks on India's
information technology systems through hacking and other methods,
Presidential nominee A P J Abdul Kalam today suggested introduction of a
multi-purpose 'national citizen card' in the country as a means to
information security.

"Our communication network and information generators have to be protected
from the electronic attacks through surveillance, monitoring and building
technologies to handle such attacks," he said while addressing a Nasscom
seminar on Information Security here.

He said, the national citizen/smart card needs an integrated approach from
multiple departments and industry (rpt industry) and can be used as a voter
ID card, to operate bank account, besides as a ration card and with many
other applications.
It was essential for India to become a knowledge power within a decade, he
said, adding, it should be achieved through societal tranformation and
wealth generation.

"The hard earned wealth and the transformed society, which are the two
pillars on which the knowledge society is supported have to be protected in
order to sustain a knowlege society," the Presidential nominee said.

He said for strengthening information security there should be a focussed
approach to Intellectual Property Rights and major private sector
initiatives have to be taken in this regard for ensuring a fool-proof
system.