Bihar to rollout UIDs within 3 years

NEW DELHI: Bihar will roll out unique identification ( UID) numbers for beneficiaries of social sector schemes within 36 months. The move will help curb pilferage and corruption.

The decision was taken at a meeting of Planning Commission deputy chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, where Rs 24,000 crore was finalised for the next fiscal. UID authority chief Nandan Nilekani said rural job and pension plans along with PDS can be linked to Aadhar numbers.

Ahluwalia appreciated the state’s efforts to expedite development in Bihar and said sectors like power need constant attention to reduce losses.

Kumar said 35% and 24% of outlays will be earmarked for the social sector and transport network, respectively, in Bihar.