UP issues smart cards to check infiltration in border areas

Uttar Pradesh government is issuing microchip based multipurpose smart cards, which will double up as identification cards, in the border areas, and help to check illegal immigration.

Nautanwa (UP), Dec 16 : Uttar Pradesh government is issuing microchip based multipurpose "smart cards", which will double up as identification cards, in the border areas, and help to check illegal immigration.

Launched in 2003 by the Union Home Ministry, the 'smart cards' or Multipurpose National Identification Cards (MNIC) project was initiated as a pilot project in 20 border districts.

The state authorities have started issuing smart cards in Nautanwa town of the state's Gorakhpur District.

Located on India-Nepal border, Nautanwa with a population of 450,000 has a sizable strength of Nepali origin people.

Nautanwa is also considered significant from the security point of view, due to increased Maoist activity in Nepal.

The residents in border areas said that the MNIC helps in authenticating their identity.

"This card acts as an identity and residential proof. It is very useful," said Ram Prasad Singh, a MNIC holder.

The card resembling a debit or ATM card is being issued only to people residing for more than 15 years in the town.

The card carries a photograph of the person along with their fingerprint mark. An embedded electronic chip would hold all vital information of the bearer.

Residents would also be provided with a unique 'Individual Code Number'. The 'smart card' would also help residents avail public services like healthcare, education and banking.

The cards are being delivered at the doorsteps of the residents by the postal department.

"The cards are being produced in Kolkata production centre and are being distributed through the Indian Postal Services. The cards are delivered through speed post to the respective post offices, from where the postman delivers the card at the doorsteps of the residents," said Pratap Singh, Assistant Director, Pilot Project, MNIC, Maharajganj.

A month after the MNIC pilot project was launched in November 2003, theitizenship Act of 1955 was amended to provide for compulsory registration of all citizens and issue of a national identity card.

The pilot project was launched in border-states such as Jammu and Kashmir, Gujarat, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, West Bengal and Tripura, besides coastal states like Tamil Nadu and Goa, and Delhi.

ANI