The government has approved creation of a position of chairperson Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) in the rank and status of a cabinet minister and has appointed Nandan Nilekani this position.
This move is aimed at bestowing the benefits of information technology to the common man and also help establish citizenship, thus enhancing security at various levels including terrorism. This would not only address security related issues but is also aimed at establishing citizenship, reducing identity related frauds and also prevent leakages in different government schemes.
The functioning of Unique Identification Authority of India and the activities to be performed by it would serve multiple objectives. The authority shall have the responsibilities to lay down plan and policies to implement Unique Identification Scheme (UID), shall own and operate the Unique Identification Number database and be responsible for its updation and maintenance on an ongoing basis.
UIDAI project aims at providing a unique identity to the targeted population of the government’s flagship schemes like the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyaan and Bharat Nirman.
Infy accepts Nilekani’s resignation
Infosys Technologies Limited announced that Nilekani, will relinquish the position of co-chairman and member of the board at Infosys.
The board of directors accepted Nilekani’s resignation. The resignation will be effective from July 9, 2009. The board placed on record its deep sense of appreciation for the services rendered by Nilekani as a co-founder, chief operating officer, chief executive officer and managing director, and as the co-chairman of the board of directors.
Nilekani is a co-founder of Infosys and has served as a director on the company’s board since its inception in 1981. Between March 2002 and June 2007, he served as the company’s chief executive officer and managing director. Thereafter, he was re-designated as the co-chairman of the board of directors.
Speaking on the occasion, N. R. Narayana Murthy, chairman and chief mentor, said, “We are glad that an extraordinary individual like Nandan has got an opportunity to add value to India through this position. As a company that has always put the interest of the society ahead of itself, Infosys will accept his absence with a sense of duty to a larger cause, but with deep sadness at the departure of one of her most illustrious sons. We, the Infoscions, wish him the best in his new assignment”.
Indutry bodies welcome decision
Meanwhile, Som Mittal, president, NASSCOM, said “We are delighted by this news and congratulate Nilekani on his appointment as the chairperson of the Unique Identification Authority of India . This once again demonstrates the commitment of the UPA Government to fast track implementation of their election manifesto, which had UID as a key project.
The Unique ID project is a transformational project for the country as it will overlay many underlying projects, creating huge efficiencies for the country leading to enhanced governance and reduced costs. NASSCOM has been advocating the need to accelerate IT adoption in the government and this initiative will overhaul and direct the delivery mechanism for public goods and services to intended beneficiaries.
The need of the hour is transformation and Nandan truly exemplifies the skills that will ensure this initiative can set an example for an inclusive growth led transformation of India. NASSCOM is committed to the success of this project”.
The Confedetaion of Indian Industry also welcomed the government announcement on creating the UIDAI, under the aegis of the Planning Commission, and begin the process of allocating unique identification number to the citizens of India and complete the process by 2011 for all.
Chandrajit Banerjee, director general, CII said that, “This move will bestow the benefits of information technology to the common man and will also help establish citizenship, thus enhancing security at various levels. This would further bring transparency in different delivery channels help in mapping diverse requirements of the nation and in turn, assure better planning and strategization for the country.
“CII believes that as there is a worldwide consensus that the governments will need to leverage the massive potential of information and communications technologies (ICTs) to deliver most services of interest to citizens and will also accelerate the pace of placing India at a higher position in the global e-readiness graph.
