UID key instrument to expand financial inclusion: UPA report

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday said the Unique Identity project, which proposes to give a 12-digit unique number to all residents of the country, will provide a platform for direct transfer of benefits and subsidies to the poor.

He described the UID project as an important instrument to expand financial inclusion.

"The Unique ID project is progressing well and I am hopeful that the first set of 'Aadhaar' numbers will be issued between August 2010 and February 2011. This project will provide a platform for direct transfer of benefits and subsidies to the poor. It will be an important instrument to expand financial inclusion," the Prime Minister said while releasing the 'Report to the People 2009-10'.

The Unique Identification Number project of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) chaired by IT czar Nandan Nilekani was recently renamed 'Aadhaar' (foundation) as part of the efforts to reach out to the common man.