The Nandan Nilekani-headed Unique Identification Authority of India pegs its annual revenue potential through both address verification and biometrics confirmation at Rs 288.15 crore (Rs 2.88 billion).

In a draft document of the authority, the UIDAI has identified three transaction types. The basic ID confirmation will be free, where potential user agencies could be, for instance, the airlines which do passenger check-ins.

The second type of transaction is that of 'address verification', which will cost Rs 5 and can be levied by banks when users open accounts. The third one comprises 'biometrics confirmation, for which Rs 10 can be charged. Its potential user agencies can be credit card companies, states the draft paper.

"The revenue estimates are based on the current expenditure of various agencies on Know Your Resident processes, which would be replaced by the authority's authentication services. It also takes into account the expected growth in demand for mobile connections, bank accounts, etc," the draft paper states.

For basic identity confirmation, which is free, the authenticator will provide the UID number, name and one other parameter, such as the date of birth of the person, after which a central database will confirm the identity with either a 'Yes' or 'No' response.

In address verification, the UIDAI will offer the UID, name and address to the Central ID Data Repository, which will confirm the address. Hence, the agency that requires the address proof will not have to do a physical address verification.

For biometrics confirmation, the agency that needs a person's biometrics can send the scanned photograph or fingerprint (based on the security level required) together with other demographic details to confirm the identity of the person.

"The authority will charge a fee for its authentication services, which will offset its long-term costs. Registrars and service providers will also be able to charge for the cards they issue residents with the UID number. Such pricing will be within UIDAI guidelines," the draft states.

Image: Nandan Nilekani