The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, today gave its approval for Phase-V of the Unique Identification (UID) scheme for undertaking enrolments in the four States of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh and Uttarakhand. With this, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has been given the target of generation of 100 crore Aadhaars by 2015. This includes including UID numbers issued in respect of enrolments done under the National Population Register process in 12 States/UTs allocated to it. Comprehensive proposals regarding Aadhaar Sampark Kendra, Information, Education and Communication Campaigns, Document Management System and Rent Rates and Taxes etc., will be prepared by the UIDAI and a revised cost estimate submitted for appraisal of the Expenditure Finance Committee.

Background

The UIDAI was established in 2009 with a mandate to generate and assign UID numbers to residents of India. Under the UID scheme, enrolment is done by registrars through enrolment agencies, and the Government provides outcome based financial assistance to them.

As on date, more than 67.38 crore Aadhaar numbers have been generated by the UIDAI since August 2010, when the first such Aadhaar was generated. The total expenditure incurred by UIDAI since inception is Rs. 4906 crore (as on 31 August 2014). The UID project aims to ensure inclusive growth by providing digital, online, verifiable identity to all residents, including marginalized sections of society. Besides strengthening equity, this will also enable more efficient delivery of services and effective governance.