The unique identity number (UIDs), which every individual residing in the country will soon

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get, will only ensure an identity -- and not nationality. Further, it will not guarantee any rights, clarified Nandan Nilekani, chairman of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDIA), in Mumbai on Wednesday. At least 60 crore people would get their UIDs in the next 4-5 years, its project chief said.

Nilekani, speaking at the banking conference organised by Indian Banks’ Association and Ficci, said, “Giving identity is the only focus of UIDIA.” According to him, UIDIA will issue just a number and not a card. This number will give identity to all those people who have been out of the official channels until now.

“UIDIA will not provide any guarantee to rights and entitlements to individuals,” Nilekani said in his presentation.

According to Nilekani, the databank will be build with the help of post offices, rationing shops, banks and government offices where people enrol for the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA). The basic information a person will have to furnish is his or her name, address, birth date and the fingerprints or retina scan (in case of differently-abled) of all age groups. “In case of children and students, whose biometrics are not developed, the information of parents and guardians will also be included,” Nilekani explained.

The UPA government this year announced the ambitious UIDIA project for which an initial provision of Rs 120 crore was also made in the budget. “The first set of cards will be rolled out in 12-18 months,” Nilekani said