UID to be 'number for life' for Indians: Nandan Nilekani

The unique identification number (UID) will be a 'number for life' for millions of Indians who are now excluded from access to public schemes, according to Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), chairman Nandan Nilekani.

"The domestic movement within India is slated to escalate due to development and climate change that would drive migration. Due to lack of identity proof, 100 million people are unable to avail of public schemes. It is here the unique identification number will make a difference as it will be the 'number for life' for them," Nilekani said.

He was speaking at a lecture on 'India: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow' organised in Mumbai last evening.

"With technological development, as the paper work reduces, the cost of technology also goes down and capability goes up. Once you make everything electronic, the prices drop. It is when more number of people make use of technology," Nilekani said.

The UID would be given to every Indian irrespective of their financial or residential status, he said.

"The main aim of issuing these numbers is to ensure better service delivery to those who have been excluded from public schemes, be it related to finance or food," he said.

UIDAI will roll out a biometric database of beneficiaries, Nilekani said, adding, the data can be used by banks and post offices for generating their own UID numbers.

As banking services cannot reach each of the six lakh villages in India, there will be micro ATMs where people can withdraw or deposit money, he said.