Biometric process may need more time

In fact, census officials point out that it may take around two years for completing the process of preparing all the local NPRs replete with biometric information in the state.

Enumerators are presently collecting details of each person (including age, date of birth, place of birth and occupation) in every household for the NPR. An acknowledgement slip is provided to the respondent of each household. The enumerators also inform the respondents that the biometric details - photograph, 10 fingerprints and iris information - of all persons aged 15 years and above will be collected at a later date.

“Once the process of collecting NPR data is complete, the process of digitisation will happen. It’s only then the process of collecting the biometric information will commence. It will take at least one or two years,” T K Anil Kumar, director, Directorate of Census Operations, Karnataka told Deccan Herald.

The process of collecting biometric data to provide national identity cards for residents of 183 coastal villages in the state took seven months. “Now we are talking about 30,000 villages, its a huge process”, Anil Kumar said.

In fact, there is no common schedule for collecting the biometric information. “The NPR will have its own timeline. It will have different schedules in different places. I have suggested that we synergise with the e-governance department, which is also going to villages to get biometrics”, the officer said.

Biometric information will be collected at camps at every village and at the ward level in urban areas. Each household will have to produce the acknowledgement slip, presently being provided by the enumerators, at get photography and biometrics done. Those who miss the camps will be given an opportunity to present themselves at permanent NPR centres to be set up at the taluk or town level.  Besides, data will be printed and displayed at prominent places within the village and ward. Objections will be sought  at this stage.

The final list will be authenticated and sent to the Unique Identity Authority of India (UIDAI) for de-duplication and issue of UID numbers.

Anil Kumar points out that NPR is not the only source through which citizens can get their UID. “One can opt to get the biometrics done through the e-governance department. In such cases, when the NPR data of the same person is sent to UIDAI, the de-duplication process will find the match and provide the person the same ID number”, he points out.