National Population project hit by UIDAI: P Chidambaram to PM

New Delhi: The P Chidambaram-Nandan Nilekani standoff has worsened as the Home Minister on Thursday wrote to Prime Minister claiming that the UIDAI has brought the National Population Register (NPR) to a standstill. "National Population Register project has come to standstill because of UIDAI," wrote Chidambaram.

The Home Minister also said that the collection of photographs and biometrics has been facing hurdles at every step on account approach of the UIDAI.

Despite clear orders from the Cabinet UIDAI is objecting to the conduct of National Population Register camps in certain states and is also refusing to accept the biometric data of NPR for de-duplication and generation of Adhaar number, alleged Chidambaram.

The Home Minister said that the collection of photographs and biometrics has been facing hurdles at every step on account approach of the UIDAI.

He said that the Home Ministry has discussed the issue at length with UIDAI. But despite their best efforts the issue remains unresolved.

The Home Minister had earlier in January said that there will be no duplication of work between the UIDAI and the NPR.

UID can be generated by producing documents without any verification. A Mumbai resident can get his UID number in Delhi. Also, all residents are not being covered and there is no legal sanctity to data collected.

There has also been a serious showdown between the Registrar General of India and the UIDAI on whether the Aadhaar data that includes photographs, fingerprints and the iris can be used for the National Population Registrar in its present form.

(For updates you can share with your friends, follow IBNLive on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Pinterest)