[Reader-list] News Items posted on the net on Multipurpose National Identity Cards-48

[Taha Mehmood]

*http://www.tribuneindia.com/2007/20070527/main3.htm*

*The Tribune Online Edition
*

*You just got your national identity*

*Sunday, May 27, 2007, Chandigarh, India*

New Delhi, May 26
In a move to effectively address the emerging security concerns, the Centre
today launched the multi-purpose "National Identity Card" at Narela in the
capital city as part of a pilot project which may eventually be extended
throughout the country by issuing a chip-based smart ID cards to all
citizens.

Registrar-general of India Devender Kumar Sikri presented the first card to
a woman resident of Narela in north-west Delhi.

Home Ministry sources said the remaining 2.4 million citizens, who are
covered under the Rs 44.36 crore pilot project in selected sub-districts of
12 states and one Union Territory, would receive the card by post before
July this year.

"The card will give the citizen a 16-digit ID number and will be delivered
by Indian Post in a tamper-proof customised cover that is both, waterproof
and able to sustain extreme temperatures," an official of the
registrar-general of India said.

Costing Rs 60 each, the ID card would carry basic details across several
parameters including educational qualification, place of birth, photograph
and fingerprints of the holder.

A few details would be visible on the card. The remaining information would
be stored in the 16-kb chip on the card that can be read only with a reader.