With some activists opining that the unique identity number should not be linked to the government's rural employment scheme, MNREGA, UIDAI chairman Nandan Nilekani has said the 'Aadhar' number should not be the basis for any discrimination.

Asked about activists like Jean Dreze, a member of the National Advisory Council (NAC), not favouring linking Aadhar to MNREGA, he said the number should not be used in such a manner that one gets discriminated against.

"Aadhar should not be a basis of discrimination," he said at the annual Rajinder Mathur memorial lecture organised by The Editors Guild of India.

He said the number was optional and not compulsory and that 'Aadhar' only aims at ensuring that people get the right services they are entitled to.

Talking about other aspects of the project, including privacy, he said there should not be any fears with regard to the UID databank as it will store very limited information.

"The only service that we give is authentication," he said.

Nilekani said the Aadhaar number will be helpful in opening a bank account, getting a ration card and many other things especially for the poor and the migrant labourers.

He said the number will enable inclusive growth and development for the deprived and will act as an instrument of social inclusion.