First e-ID card

The multi-usage card using smart card technology will be equipped with security features such as biometric data to render card counterfeiting almost impossible. While there is no doubt that the smart card will make life easier for the citizens, it will also make bureaucracy more efficient.

Minister of Information and Communication Technology Tassarajen Pillay Chedumbrum pointed out that this project is long overdue.

“It is a government to government agreement involving the participation of Singapore. A Singaporean expert attached to the national identity card unit of Singapore was in the country in January to closely monitor the procedures surrounding the granting of an identity card to an applicant,” said the minister.

He added, “We are now undertaking the second phase which is the implementation of the project. The first smart card will most probably be handed over by the beginning of July 2012.”

This project is also in line with the vision of the government to make Mauritius an intelligent island.

The card could be used for multiple applications such as payment of pensions and social security benefits, electronic purse, driving license, health and transport card. Besides being a secure identity document, the new smart card will also open up opportunities for citizens to an array of online services accessible anywhere and anytime.

“Introducing a new national ID card has been the concern of past governments. The current ID card has become outdated and it is high time we kept pace with new development,” said the minister.

The first new card will be given free of charge but in case it is lost, one has to pay a higher fine than one has to currently for a duplicate card.