Officially launched in September 2010, Aadhaar is the world’s largest biometrics-based identity programme. The identification number has the laudable objective of providing India’s 1.2 billion residents with secure access to benefits and services (education, telecom, medical care, banking and financial services) as well as political and economic rights.

The issuing of numbers has proceeded at a good pace as proved by this achievement by the Morpho-Mahindra Satyam consortium, which has played a pivotal role in the program for issuance of unique identification numbers.

“We are truly proud that our cutting-edge biometric technology has allowed the UIDAI to hit the 120-million mark in this large-scale project,” commented Jean-Paul Jainsky, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Morpho. “This achievement highlights the efforts and commitment of all the partners involved to make the Aadhaar programme a success.”

Successful issuing of the 120 millionth identification number is a significant endorsement of Morpho’s capability and its commitment to deploying highly sophisticated technology and expertise in biometrics while strictly adhering to the procedures and quality parameters prescribed by UIDAI.

The UIDAI plans to enroll 600 million Indian residents by March 2014.