The government will start distribution of smart identity cards for people living in coastal areas in the next two months. Speaking at a function in New Delhi, Registrar General of India, C. Chandramouli said, the distribution of these cards will start in two months or so. Mr Chandramouli said around 3,331 villages will be covered initially and 8 million cards will be distributed.

He said that each of these card will have a unique identity number on them.

Mr Chandramouli said, the cards will carry biometric data which will include finger print, Iris scan and photograph along with UID number. These identity cards are multipurpose ones that can replace various other cards issued by the state and central government like ration card and others.

AIR correspondent reports, the government has spent 216 crore rupees, out of which close to 133 crore rupees had been spent on smart card and the rest of the amount on data collection.

The I-cards will provide nationality, professional and legal proof and lead to easy detection of infiltrators, masquerading as fishermen in the coastal areas.