Bangalore: He is one of the most well known faces of India's IT industry, and now Nandan Nilekani is saying goodbye to Infosys. The IT icon is all set to head the government's new identity project with the rank of a Cabinet minister.
Nilekani will head the government's new ID project - the Unique Identification Database Authority.
It will give every Indian a permanent ID number to ensure that welfare schemes like the Rural Employment Guarantee and Sarva Shiksha Abhiyaan are properly implemented under one identity number for citizens.
At the age of 54, Nilekani was a key figure behind Infosys, credited with changing India's image globally. The IIT Bombay graduate was on Time magazine's 100 most influtential people list for this year.
"Too early to share how exactly will I depute responsibility. The intent is there, we only have to work out the modus operandi. Highest standards of transparency will be maintained and if I see any clash of interest, will withdraw myself," said Nilekani.
Nilekani will however resign as co-chairman and board member of Infosys Technologies. His colleagues say they are happy for him.
Nilekani will also get a new salary. He used to make about 90 lakhs a year but will now get a new salary.
The new project is a huge challenge for the IT czar, as it tries to plug loopholes in the implementation of welfare schemes.