New Delhi, May 26
In a move to effectively address the emerging security concerns, the Centre today launched the multi-purpose “National Identity Card” at Narela in the capital city as part of a pilot project which may eventually be extended throughout the country by issuing a chip-based smart ID cards to all citizens.

Registrar-general of India Devender Kumar Sikri presented the first card to a woman resident of Narela in north-west Delhi.

Home Ministry sources said the remaining 2.4 million citizens, who are covered under the Rs 44.36 crore pilot project in selected sub-districts of 12 states and one Union Territory, would receive the card by post before July this year.

“The card will give the citizen a 16-digit ID number and will be delivered by Indian Post in a tamper-proof customised cover that is both, waterproof and able to sustain extreme temperatures,” an official of the registrar-general of India said.

Costing Rs 60 each, the ID card would carry basic details across several parameters including educational qualification, place of birth, photograph and fingerprints of the holder.

A few details would be visible on the card. The remaining information would be stored in the 16-kb chip on the card that can be read only with a reader.