The Ministry of Labour, Immigration and Population has started issuing smart identity cards in Mandalay and the capital Nay Pyi Taw as a pilot project.
As part of an e-government development programme, the ministry is now implementingthe pilot project in target areas to substitute the current paper national registration card with a smarter digital identification card.
Commencing on 13 December, the authorities issued the electronic IDs to the target population of over 4,000 residing in Patgonpyawbwe Ward in Chanayethazan Township, Mandalay Region.
U Tin Chai, head of the regional immigration department, said the department is carrying out the issuance of smart IDs to citizens above the age of 18 with the use of state-of-the-art technology utilized in the United States.
He went on to say that the department does not know the exact date the project will be implemented nation wide.
Currently, the smart card programme is being implemented in Pobbathiri Township in Nay Pyi Taw and Chanayethazan Township in Mandalay Region. There are more than 1.2 million people in Mandalay Region, according to the department.
The current national registration card, printed on pink paper, includes the holder’s photo, signature, a fingerprint of the left thumb and other personal data. The paper ID card is easily damaged and hard to check for validity. The new system will provide secure technology for users, the head of the department said.
Source: Global New Light of Myanmar
