According to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office, the council endorsed 'in principle' the draft strategy of implementation and also resolved to provide a legal framework to the UIDAI in due course.

'It also decided to make UIDAI as the apex authority to set standards for the demographic and biometric data in order to ensure inter-operability,' the statement said.

Considering the immense task at hand, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee suggested that Nilakeni make a similar presentation before the cabinet and the council of ministers.

The main purpose of this ambitious project is to avert the need for multiple proof of identity for citizens while availing any government service, or for private needs like opening bank accounts or seeking telephone connections.

It is also expected to enhance national security by helping to identify illegal aliens.

The fact that the project is a first of its kind in India in its scope, size, technology, logistics and computing, UIDAI has been given certain flexibility in the areas of manpower, deployment and organisational structure.

The fact that the prime minister has staffed the council with all the senior-most cabinet ministers shows the importance that is being given to this project, an official said.

A national population registry is expected be ready by 2010, following which the rollout of the biometric cards will begin, the official added.