Unique ID number will help bring in transparency: Nilekani

The Unique Identification Number will bring in mobility, choice, transparency and accountability at the doorsteps of the common man, UIDAI Chairman Nandan Nilekani has said.

The Unique Identification Number will bring in mobility, choice, transparency and accountability at the doorsteps of the common man, UIDAI Chairman Nandan Nilekani has said.

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The Infosys co-founder, who now heads the government's ambitious Unique Identification Authority of India, said the UID is a scheme for the marginalised people of the country.

He said the slogan of 'bijli, sadak, pani' which talks about the need for development would now be taken over by a new catch phrase seeking bank account, mobile numbers and Unique Identification Number.

The 16-digit unique number, which is likely to be rolled out by next year, would be a fundamental part of the next decade, he said.

Nilekani, who was speaking at a summit here organised by the Skoch foundation, said talks are already on with various government departments and all state governments for bringing them on board on the project which aims to give a unique number to all residents of the country.

Talking about public partnership in the project, he said it was very crucial and the public can volunteer for the project and can even work with it on a sabbatical.

"We are in talks with everyone including major industries like mobile companies, banks and everyone interested," he said.