The Unique Identification Authority of India is aiming to provide the 'Aadhaar' identification number to the scores of migrant workers to help them get access to a range of essential services like banking, social protection and government schemes.

The UIDAI has signed an MoU with the National Coalition of Organisations for Security of Migrant Workers (NCOSMW) for this purpose.

The NCOSMW, a consortium of over 20 civil society organisations serving migrant workers and communities, will work with the UIDAI to facilitate the enrolment migrant labour communities for 'Aadhaar'- the unique 12 digit identification number.

The MoU was signed Deputy Director General, UIDAI, N K Sinha and Rajiv Khandelwal of Aajeevika Bureau, Udaipur, who has been nominated the authorised signatory of the NCOSMW.

Sinha said, "Through this MoU, the UIDAI has taken a first step towards formalising its outreach efforts and reiterating its commitment to work with civil society organisations to ensure the inclusion of poor and marginalised persons."

The coalition has a presence in high migration pockets in India, including the most affected source regions as well as the most important destinations of migrant workers in the country.

"It recognises the potential of Aadhaar to serve as a universal proof of identity for migrant workers and pledged to collaborate and lobby for better services, protection and security for the over hundred million migrant workers in India," a statement by the Authority said.

It added that NCOSMW believes that 'Aadhaar' would be of tremendous significance to this population over time, enabling them to access a range of essential services including banking, in addition to social protection and government schemes.