The UIDAI, which aims to provide a unique 16-digit number to all residents of the country by next year, has received over 3000 entries from across the country for its logo competition.

Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani-headed Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) will select a logo from the lot which will become face of the ambitious project by April.

The logo competition carries a reward of Rs one lakh besides Rs 10,000 as consolation prizes.

"It is our constant endeavour to involve as much public as possible in this endeavour. The selection of the logo will take place by April," a UIDAI official who did not wish to be identified said.

He said the selection of the logo would be based on criteria like whether or not a particular selected work would capture the essence of the mission and purpose of the UIDAI.

The official said it is important that the powerful idea behind the project gets communicated to its recipients in a way that is motivating. He said the logo will act as a visual shortcut that communicates what the brand stands for.

As part of its public partnership, the UID has also opened up a number of jobs for the general public who wish to be part of the project.

The government has proposed Rs 1,900 crore in budgetary allocation, nearly a 16-fold increase, to the Authority for the period 2010-11