Nilekani wants 'best talent' from govt, outside

BANGALORE: Tasked with leading the ambitious Unique Identification Database project, Nandan Nilekani, former Infosys co-chairman, on Saturday said he would look for the "best people" from the government and outside for his team.

Nilekani said that in his book,`Imagining India', he has devoted a chapter on using technology to transform the country and was happy that he could come close to implementing it in reality through his appointment.

"I am happy that the Prime Minister has reposed the trust in me," he told media.

On the flexibility of drawing resources to build his core team, he said, "It is a national effort. I would look for the best people. It could be from the government, from outside".

Asked whether his former colleagues would form part of the team, he said it was too early to say. "I want the best talent," he added.

The Unique Identification Database was connected with "creating one large data base of record of a billion residents in India", including the biometric details and enrollments. "It could be used for verification of antecedents of any person in India", he said.

On whether he would write some more books, he said: "I will be more busy now. It is a huge complex project. Where is the time to write books".

Nilekani, however, refused to comment on the UPA government's decision to induct an IT czar to head such an initiative. "How can I comment on it," he asked.

On whether he would attempt to write some more books, now that he relatively had more time at hand, he laughed and said: "I will be more busy now.It is a huge complex project. Where is the time to write books".

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