Unique Identification Authority to become statutory body

• A bill seeking to grant statutory powers and status to Nandan Nilekani-headed national body for issue of identification numbers to all citizens was introduced in the Rajya Sabha on Friday.
• The National Identification Authority of India (NIAI), constituted in January 2009 is functioning as an executive body under the Planning Commission.
• As the NIAI is expected to issue identification numbers to citizens, it may require statutory powers to deal with issues like security and confidentiality of information, impersonation and unauthorised access to data.
• It was felt, however, that mere executive powers may not be adequate for the Authority to discharge its functions.
• The scheme was launched at Nandurbar, a tribal district in North Maharashtra in September.