[Reader-list] News Items posted on the net on Multipurpose National Identity Cards-69

[Taha Mehmood]

http://www.thehimalayantimes.com/fullstory.asp?filename=aFanata0scqzpba6Qa6ua.axamal&folder=aHaoamW&Name=Home&dtSiteDate=20071218

 The Himalayan Times

   KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 18, 2007

India issues Smart Cards to check infiltration

Himalayan News Service
New Delhi, December 17:

The Indian government has introduced Smart Cards to stop infiltration
via Uttar Pradesh border adjoining Nepal. Manufactured in Kolkata, the
cards are called multi-purpose national identification and are
distributed by post office employees in Nautunwa district of UP
adjoining Bhairahawa of Nepal.
The cards contain details of a person's identity, place of residence
and nationality, said project assistant director Pratap Singh.
He added that project was envisaged in 2003 and had targeted 20
districts in Uttar Pradesh bordering Nepal. "The post office workers
are delivering the cards to people in their homes,"
said Singh.
Nautunwa district, with a population of 4.5 lakh has a sizeable
segment of Nepali speaking people. The smart cards that look like ATM
debit cards are being distributed among people who have been living in
Nautunwa for the last 15 years.
They bear the photograph and also fingerprints of the holder. Each
card has its own code number. Holders of such cards can avail of
medical services and banking facilities on a priority basis.