21 Oct : Implementation of the Pilot Project on Multi-purpose National Identity Cards (MNIC) has been successfully completed on 31.3.2008 with the distribution of more than 12 lakh Identity (smart) cards to those of 18 years of age and above in the selected areas in 12 States and one Union Territory in the country.
20 MNIC Centres, one in each tehsil/block in the pilot areas, will remain functional till 31.3.2009 for maintenance and updating of database and issuing identity cards to those who would attain the age of 18 years during this period.
There is a proposal to create the National Population Register (NPR) by collecting information on specified items of each resident alongwith the population enumeration at the time of next decennial Census in 2011. The preparatory work for NPR has been initiated. The Planning Commission has allocated Rs. 300.00 crores for this in the 11th Plan.
This was stated by the Minister of State for Home Dr. Shakeel Ahmad in reply to a parliament question.