A MoU was signed between Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) and the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) for implementation of the Unique Identification Numbers (UID) project. According to the MoU, IGNOU will collaborate with the UIDAI in conduction proof of concept (POC) studies; the university will also be a pilot to test the working of the technology and process of enrollment into the UID database and subsequently full roll-out of the UID project. The MOU was signed between UIDAI chairman Nandan Nilekani and IGNOU vice-chancellor VN Rajasekharan Pillai.
It was also mentioned that IGNOU will do all that is necessary and required in order to effectively complete the POCs and pilots, and follow the criteria and process for appointment of enrolling agencies prescribed by the UIDAI. Unique identification project was initially conceived by the Planning Commission as an initiative that would provide identification for each resident across the country and would be used primarily as the basis for efficient delivery of welfare services. It would also act as a tool for effective monitoring of various programs and schemes of the Government.
