The Cabinet today approved the proposal for introducing the National Identification Authority of India Bill, 2010 in Parliament. The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh in New Delhi today. The Bill proposes to constitute a statutory authority to be called the National Identification Authority of India and lay down the powers and functions of the Authority, the framework for issuing UID numbers (aadhaar numbers), major penalties and other related matters through an Act of Parliament. AIR correspondent Manikant Thakur reports that this will involve an expenditure of 3023.01 crore rupees which includes project components for issue of UID numbers (called aadhaar numbers) by March 2011, and recurring establishment costs for the entire project phase of five years ending March 2014. The UID project is primarily aimed at ensuing inclusive growth by providing a form of identity to those who do not have any identity. It seeks to provide aadhaar numbers to the marginalised sections of society and thus would strengthen equity. Apart from providing identity, the aadhaar number will enable better delivery of services and effective governance. The unique identity scheme will be launched on 29th of this month when Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh presents the first such number at a function in a tribal district of Maharashtra. Under the scheme, a 12-digit unique number will be provided to every citizen of the country.