NEW DELHI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Accenture (NYSE: ACN) has been awarded a 12-month contract for technology and management consulting services to reengineer and implement the way beneficiary programs are delivered in Punjab under the Aadhaar biometric identification program. The contract will help the State Government of Punjab identify eligible citizens and eliminate duplicate and incorrect records for the Department of Food and Civil Supplies.
The biometric-based service delivery model will provide the government with a simplified process for targeting beneficiaries by ensuring accurate inclusion of recipients, reducing the cost of service delivery by using direct, government-to-citizens payments. This new system also will enhance program accountability and create a way to trace service delivery.
Biometrics are unique physical characteristics, such as fingerprints, that can be used for automated recognition. Aadhaar is a 12- digit individual identification number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India on behalf of the Government of India.
“The delivery of government to citizen services and benefits efficiently will pave the way in ensuring economic inclusion. Technology will aid the process and create significant cost savings that can be used for other development activities. We are honored to partner with the government in this important initiative,” said Nilaya Varma, managing director with Accenture's Health & Public Service operating group in India.
As the project manager, Accenture also will help the state increase citizen awareness on the goals and objectives of Aadhaar, and support the government with any required legal and policy changes.
Accenture will leverage Accenture Digital Government Services to successfully execute the contract.
“Aadhaar provides a national unique identity to each resident that will be portable, digital and verifiable online. Citizens will benefit from a simplified process of establishing identity. Biometric based authentication will replace the paper based verification/authentication being done for residents adding to their convenience,” said Parminder Singh, Nodal officer, Registrar UID Punjab cum Joint Secretary Food & Supplies Department, Government of Punjab.
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About Accenture
Accenture is a global management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company, with approximately 261,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries. Combining unparalleled experience, comprehensive capabilities across all industries and business functions, and extensive research on the world’s most successful companies, Accenture collaborates with clients to help them become high-performance businesses and governments. The company generated net revenues of US$27.9 billion for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2012. Its home page is www.accenture.com.