The Hindu : Front Page : Biometric technology used for issuing identity cards

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Sunday, Mar 30, 2008
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Biometric technology used for issuing identity cards

K. Lakshmi

For monitoring SHGs benefited under tsunami aid scheme

— Photo: M.Vedhan

PILOT PROJECT: Fingerprints of SHG members being taken using biometric technology for issue of identity cards at a camp in Tiruvottiyur on Saturday.

CHENNAI: In a bid to monitor and evaluate livelihood activities of self-help groups (SHGs) benefited under the tsunami emergency assistance scheme, the Commissionerate of Municipal Administration (CMA) has launched a pilot project in the city to issue identity cards using biometric technology.

Camps for recording fingerprints and facial images of the SHG members are in progress at the Tiruvottiyur and Kathivakkam municipalities.

The CMA’s project coordinator S. Murugesan said the use of biometric technology envisaged collection of unique and authentic information about the beneficiaries.

It would help the CMA to monitor and review the progress of SHGs that have either received training or loans or revolving funds in the tsunami affected areas.

Besides facilitating in easy identification and centralised availability of data, the use of biometric technology would help prevent duplication of entries, he said.

The beneficiaries in four other tsunami-affected local bodies of Nagapattinam, Vedaranyam, Colachel and Cuddalore would be issued similar identity cards. About Rs.25 lakh was allocated for the project, said Mr. Murugesan.

Tiruvottiyur Municipality Commissioner S. Sivasubramanian said that of the 693 SHGs that had benefited under the tsunami emergency assistance scheme, data pertaining to 425 SHGs had been recorded. Each SHG had about 10 members. Retinal scanning through biometric technology was part of the project. The data about the SHGs and their activities would be made available on the CMA’s official website next month.

This identity system would be extended to beneficiaries of other schemes provided by local bodies. In the Kathivakkam municipality, details about nearly 100 out of the total 238 SHGs had been recorded.

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