[Reader-list] News Items posted on the net on Multipurpose National Identity Cards-114

[Taha Mehmood]

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshowarchive.cms?msid=44093589

Citizens' I-card project throws a lifeline to SCL
22 Apr, 2003, 0438 hrs IST,Sudha Nagaraj, TNN


NEW DELHI: Far from pushing for its disinvestment, the department of
information technology (DIT) is pushing for the growth and expansion
of Semiconductor Complex (SCL). DIT has recommended to the ministry of
home affairs (MHA) that the PSU be given purchase preference in the
proposed project to issue multipurpose national identity cards (MNIC)
for citizens. When granted, it would help SCL bag up to 35% of the
orders in the tender for the smart-card based MNIC at the lowest bid
price.
Reliable government sources said the suggestion had been very well
received by the MHA. In a communication to the MHA, the DIT said that
in line with other countries where such initiatives are launched under
government control, SCL could handle the project and if required would
even upgrade its infrastructure. At present, SCL’s lab facility is
equipped for 1.2 micron wafer processing, while the world has
progressed to 0.25 micron. While a 0.8 micron pilot is on, SCL had
proposed a Rs 200 crore upgradation plan during the Tenth Plan to
migrate to 0.6 micron technology, which would help quadruple the
capacity and increase output from 20,000 wafers to 44,000 wafers per
annum.
Though the proposed outlay for Tenth Plan for SCL was Rs 264.71 crore,
only Rs 5 crore has been approved. To complete augmentation of R&D and
CAD facilities at SCL, a spillover outlay of Rs 48.27 crore was
propsed for ‘03-04, but only Rs 6 crore has been allocated. Additional
funds would therefore have to be sought under supplementary grants.
SCL CMD M J Zarabi told ET that the MNIC project spelt a big
opportunity and would entail both expansion and upgradation. “But it
makes no sense to upgrade without the need. MNICs would require chips
in large volumes and SCL, which already has the basic infrastructure
and experience will fit the bill.”
The DIT has also taken the side of SCL adding that such a preference
was required for high security applications where the State may not
want to involve private parties. “At least for the national identity
cards and citizens applications, SCL should play an important role,”
it has said.
However, it is clear that the mammoth project is at a very initial
stage. The MHA has to create a national register of citizens to
identify the recipients of the card.
After which a pilot would be done with SCL’s involvement before the
countrywide programme is launched.
SCL has stepped up its demand for purchase preference in any smart
card initiative of government departments.