New Delhi,LOK SABHA:The first phase of the implementation of the pilot project on Multi-purpose National Identity Cards (MNIC) has been completed on 31.3.2008. More than 12 lakh identity (smart) cards have been issued to those of 18 years and above in the pilot areas in 12 States and one Union Territory in the country. 20 MNIC Centres set up one in each tehsil/block of the pilot areas, will remain functional till 31.3.2009 for maintenance and updating of database. Besides, they will be providing services to the identity card holders as well as those who could not be verified in the first phase.Meanwhile, the Planning Commission has accorded ‘in principal approval’ to the scheme for preparation of National Population Register (NPR). The scheme envisages collection of information on specified items of each individual at the time of population enumeration during census 2011.
This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Dr. Shakeel Ahmad in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.