Nilekani's statement triggers controversy in LS

NEW DELHI: The statement by Nandan Nilekani that the ambitious Unique Identification card will be for all residents of India including non-citizens on Friday triggered a controversy with BJP demanding a statement from the Government.

Raising the issue during Zero Hour in the Lok Sabha, former Union Minister, Yashwant Sinha said there has been 'deviation' in statements by the Home Minister P Chidambaram and Nilekani, who is heading the Unique Identification Number Authority, over who will get the card.

While the Home Minister is saying that the card is for Indian citizens only, Nilekani has said it is also for Indian residents who are non-citizens, Sinha said seeking a statement from the Government.

Nilekani wants to tap database of oil sector consumers

At the outset, Sinha hailed the project as also the appointment of Nilekani and wanted the Government to take Parliament into confidence on the unique number issue.