The Centre is finalising a proposal to use multi-application smart cards with unique IDs for citizens to check largescale illegal immigration and to better target and implement government schemes.
The proposal, under the consideration of an empowered group of ministers (EGoM), sought to merge two schemes--Multi-Purpose National Identity Card (MNIC) and Unique Identity Number Scheme (UID).
The home ministry's scheme for ID cards -- MNIC, launched on a pilot basis in border areas -- is essentially meant to contain omnibus information which would meet security concerns. The MNIC scheme aims to check and establish the process for determination of citizenship and preparation of National Register of Indian Citizens and National Register of Residents. The Planning Commission has allocated Rs 500 crore for this purpose.
"The multi-purpose smart card will help in effective targeting of subsidies and better monitoring of programmes and ensure that fraudulent multiple claims are minimised. It will also help in checking illegal migration in the border areas," said an official.
The need for a multi-purpose national identity card has been felt for purposes as diverse as drawing benefits from government's flagship schemes like NREGA, getting ration from PDS shops or meeting security concerns.
