Unique ID adequate to get bank account: Nilekani

“If accepted, people do not have to produce a set of documents to get these services. The unique ID will be sufficient,” said UIAI Chairman Nandan Nilekani. Delivering the inaugural talk of “Go India” lecture series organised by the Forum for Revitalisation of Public Service on Monday, Nilekani said the unique identification number project will be launched in a few weeks from multiple locations. The UIAI has planned to provide IDs to 60 crore people in the next four years.

As many as 220 selected agencies will start enrolling names in coordination with State Governments and various private sector bodies which provide different public services. To make it more effective, the UIAI has developed a software specially for this purpose.

The selected agencies will first collect data (names) from state and Central government departments and private sector whom people approach for ration cards, job cards, passports, PAN numbers, insurance cover and bank accounts. The data thus collected will be integrated into the central database, where a thorough cross check will be done on its authenticity before the unique ID is issued. The UIAI will also collect the photograph of the person, 10 finger prints and eye scan report before issuing the ID, also called Adhar number.

Nilekani said a software is being developed for on-the-spot and online verification of the authenticity of the number. The software connected to the central database will identify  whether the ID is genuine or not.

The UIAI has asked the government to enact legislation to ensure data protection and privacy. The Centre has been requested to set up a three-member committee to oversee the security aspects of the project.

He laid stress on collaboration among various departments, innovation and pushing for change, accepting ideas from everywhere and use of technology as ways of improving the quality of public service. Nilekani also called for setting up a short-term service commission to enable talented individuals to join public service.