During the occasion, the UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi said this would help the poor get the benefits of various welfare schemes run by the government.
The project is seen as a showcase initiative of the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) which was in 2009 handed over to Nandan Nilekani. The function was attended by Maharashtra Governor K Shankaranarayanan, Chief Minister Ashok Chavan, Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Alhuwalia and UIDAI chief Nandan Nilekani.
Addressing the function, the Prime Minister said the issuing of unique identity cards is a beginning of a big effort for the welfare of the common man.
"The poor did not have any identity proof. Due to this shortcoming, they could not open bank accounts or get ration cards. They could not avail the benefits of government welfare programmes because of this and many times, these benefits were pocketed by others," Singh said.
He said those who are economically and socially backward will be the biggest beneficiaries of this programme.
"We will give every opportunity to live a dignified life to our poor, scheduled castes and scheduled tribes people," he said.
Singh also said the rolling out of the unique numbers displayed a symbol of a new and modern India. "We are moving fast in the field of technology. Nowhere in the world, technology has been used in such a big way. I hope every citizen will get this number very soon," he said.
Gandhi also echoed similar views saying the unique identification numbers will help plug the loopholes in the Public Distribution System (PDS). "The problem of fake ration cards will be over now," she said.
The real peepli live in Maharashtra
Tembhali, with a population of 1,098, became the first 'Aadhar' village in the country.
The tribal Nandurbar district got a makeover for launch of the UID project. Roads were freshly laid, buildings now have a fresh coat of paint, and water pumps are suddenly working. All of this in just ten days.
The launch from this tribal district is a signal that the scheme is meant for India's poorest.
The village is a Congress bastion and the party has not lost a single parliamentary election here since Independence. It was from Nandurbar that Sonia Gandhi held her first political rally in 1998.
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