The Chief Minister, Mr V.S. Achuthanandan, on Thursday launched the unique identification number project, Aadhaar, in the State.

He also simultaneously declared open the International Centre for Free and Open Source Software (IC-FOSS) based in Technopark here.

The Chief Minister said in his inaugural speech that Aadhaar project has elicited mixed feelings within the minds of people.

PROS AND CONS

“As we launch this project in the State, we will take necessary measures to spread awareness of the pros and cons of enrolling into this scheme before people enrol themselves,” he said.

Aadhaar is a 12-digit unique number which the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) will issue for all residents.

The number will be stored in a centralised database and is linked to the basic demographics and biometric information – photograph, fingerprints and other special identification methods – of each individual.

The objective is to eliminate large number of duplicates and fake identities in Government and private databases.

RANDOM NUMBER

A random number will be generated for an individual, which will be devoid of any classification based on caste, creed, religion and geography, while being easily verifiable in an online, cost-effective environment.

Aadhaar-based identification will have two unique features: the universality that it will be recognised and accepted across the country and by all service providers, and every resident's entitlement to the number.

The number will consequently form the basic, universal identity infrastructure over which registrars and agencies across the country can build their identity-based applications.

IMMEDIATE EFFECT

Aadhaar project will be implemented in the State by Akshaya, the poverty eradication mission, the Kerala State Electronics Development Corporation (Keltron) and the IT@School project.

The enrolment to the UID will begin with immediate effect. The 2,000-odd Akshaya centres across the State will be involved in the enrolling programme.

More than 200 Akshaya entrepreneurs and Keltron and IT@School officials have already undergone training for the purpose, said the IT Secretary, Mr K. Suresh Kumar.

FREE SOFTWARE

The State is one of the first among the country to adapt to free software and has won many accolades in this regard, the Chief Minister said while inaugurating the IC-FOSS.

“Today other States are trying to follow Kerala's footsteps and we must ensure that this leadership position is maintained,” the Chief Minister said.

Setting up of the IC-FOSS is the first step in this direction, he added, while inaugurating the centre.

The State Government has affirmed its intention to foster the State as a global destination for FOSS-based software and IT-enabled services.

“With IC-FOSS, we expect to go a long way in making Kerala a global destination,” said Ms Ishita Roy, Director, Kerala State IT Mission. “We plan to develop and customise open source applications, FOSS localisation to Indian languages and speech interfaces for illiterates”, she added.

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