The national capital moved a step forward in providing identification cards as well as Aadhaar Identification Numbers to the homeless in the city.

Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit distributed "beghar" cards and provisional Unique Identification Numbers to the homeless in the city on the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

At a function jointly organised by Mission Convergence of Delhi Government and Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), Dikshit handed over provisional Aadhar cards to 40 poor persons and "beghar" cards to 100 homeless persons at a night shelter in Nizamuddin area.

The initiative came just two days after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh along with UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi presented "Aadhaar" Identification Numbers to a few tribals in a village in Maharashtra.

Biometric-based data including fingerprints and an iris scan is being used for the first time anywhere in the world to provide a cost-effective nationally valid and verifiable single source of identity proof through an authentification infrastructure.

Dikshit said provisional Unique Identification Numbers will be provided to "beghar cardholders" in next 2-3 weeks.

In order to spread awareness on the enrolment drive, a street play was also presented by a group of disabled and homeless persons. These persons will approach the homeless on their tri-cycles to generate awareness about the scheme.

Dikshit described it as a major step towards reaching to the "un-reached in Delhi".

The enrolment for "Aadhaar" will be carried out during night hours in Delhi.

She described the handing over of provisional Adhar cards as a beginning of a "revolution which will serve as a permanent document of individual's identity" and facilitate them their entitlements.

Homeless people will be eligible to apply for the "beghar cards" in the next six months. The card will also carry the UIDAI number.

Chief Secretary Mehta said registration for the UIDAI project in Delhi has begun.