National identity cards to be issued by 2010-11: Chidambaram

Chennai, Sep 21 (PTI The proposed unique multi-purpose
national identity cards would be issued to all citizens by
2010-2011, Union Home Minister P Chidambaram said here Monday.

In the first phase this year, 1.2 crore people in about
3,331 coastal villages and cities would receive the cards, he
told reporters on the sidelines of a function here.

The card will be given to 110 crore people by 2010-2011.

Government has set up a Unique Identification Authority
of India to implement the project aimed at obviating the need
for multiple proofs of identity for citizens while availing
any government service or for personal needs like opening bank
accounts or seeking telephone connections.

Earlier, addressing the function to flag off the
Chennai Central-Hazrat Nizamuddin (Delhi) Duronto Express,
Chidambaram said the government was keen on and committed to
working for the development of the nation and the people.

"The government would also see to it that this
development is shared equally among the people", he said.

Welcoming the launch of non-stop train, he announced
that the frequency of the train would be increased to twice a
week.

Southern Railway General Manager M S Jayanth said the
train would have new design AC composite coach consisting of
24 AC 2-Tier berths and 40 AC 3-Tier berths, as an economy AC
class.

He said the train will cover 2,177 km in 27 hours and 55
minutes compared to 28 hours and ten minutes by Rajdhani
Express. PTI SNR
JVN