Latest news with #NIC
Express Tribune
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
NADRA amends national ID card rules
The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has implemented major amendments to the National Identity Card (NIC) Rules, 2002, in an effort to modernise the system. The changes are designed to enhance security of the NIC system, curb fraudulent practices, and ensure greater transparency and efficiency in identity management across the country. The NIC Rules were originally formulated in 2002, following the establishment of NADRA in 2000. NADRA prepared a comprehensive draft to align the rules with contemporary requirements. This framework has been approved by the Federal Cabinet and is now in effect. A key feature of the new regulations is the mandatory requirement of birth registration with union council before the issuance of the Child Registration Certificate (CRC/Form B). According to the revised rules, children under three years of age are exempt from providing biometric data and photographs. For children aged three to ten, a photograph and, where available, an iris scan is now required. For those aged ten to eighteen, biometric data, including fingerprints, photographs and iris scans, are mandatory. Each child will also be issued an individual CRC with a specified validity period. These reforms improve the accuracy of child identity records and play a vital role in preventing illegal registrations and child trafficking. Family Registration Certificate (FRC) has been granted legal status through these reforms. Applicants must now submit an undertaking confirming the accuracy of the information provided. Citizens can obtain the FRC solely based on NADRA's records. The new rules define three family types: Alpha (by birth), Beta (by marriage), and Gamma (by adoption). Individuals must register any unlisted family members. Corrections can be made through the mobile app or NADRA offices, and incorrect entries can be removed. Unlike the previous system, the updated FRC will now include full details of men with multiple marriages, reducing ambiguity. Furthermore, under the new regulations, married women are now allowed the facility to choose whether to display their father's name or their husband's name on their national identity card, according to their own preference. In addressing the challenges citizens previously faced in verification, confiscation and cancellation of identity documents, NADRA has introduced several improvements. Verification boards at district, regional and headquarters levels are now legally bound to resolve all such cases within thirty days. The rules now extend these same procedures to certificates (FRC, CRC) as well. The revised regulations introduce significant upgrades to Teslin identity card, which remains an affordable option for many citizens. These enhanced cards now feature key Smart Card security elements, including bilingual information in Urdu and English, easing passport applications. QR codes replace thumb impressions, offering modernized security without additional fees. The improved Teslin cards will continue to be issued quickly and at lower costs, making them more accessible to a broader population. A key aspect of the amendments is the voluntary correction facility, allowing individuals with incorrect identity records to proactively inform NADRA for legal protection and correction. To eliminate ambiguities and improve clarity, the amendments provide precise definitions for key identity management terms.
Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Mizoram ready to begin biometric enrolment of Myanmar refugees
1 2 Aizawl: Mizoram govt is fully prepared to undertake biometric enrolment of over 32,000 Myanmar refugees taking shelter in the state, and the exercise is expected to commence soon, a senior state home department official said on Thursday. State home secretary Vanlalmawia informed TOI that the biometric enrolment portal has been designed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC) is ready for use. "Preparations are in full swing for the collection of biometric data of the Myanmar refugees. The NIC experts will impart training on biometric enrolment, using the online portal for the purpose, to the district officials on Friday," Vanlalmawia said. He said the final discussion was held through video conference with the officials of ministry of home affairs (MHA) on May 16 when the final touch for the biometric enrolment exercise was deliberated. It took around a month for the NIC to complete designing the online portal, and it is now ready, he added. The instruction from the central govt to conduct biometric enrolment of the Myanmarese refugees was kept in abeyance by the previous Mizo National Front (MNF) govt in 2023 on the pretext that the election to the 40-member state legislative assembly was forthcoming by the last part of the year.
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Liberia to Host Major Trade and Investment Conference in Monrovia
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the National Investment Commission (NIC) and the Liberia Chamber of Commerce (LCC), is proud to announce the upcoming Liberia Trade and Investment Conference under the theme 'Bridge to Prosperity.' Scheduled to take place from June 17 to 21, 2025 in Monrovia, the five-day event will bring together a delegation of prominent U.S. investors and business leaders to explore trade and investment opportunities across Liberia's key economic sectors. This flagship initiative is a hallmark of the Ministry's economic diplomacy agenda, under the leadership of H.E. Sara Beysolow Nyanti, and is closely aligned with the Trump Administration's renewed commercial diplomacy efforts in Africa. The five-day conference will welcome a delegation of prominent U.S. investors and business leaders, targeting companies with interest in key sectors across Liberia's economy. A special reception will be hosted in their honor by the U.S. Ambassador to Liberia, underscoring the significance of this bilateral investment initiative. As part of the U.S. business delegation's visit, participating companies will engage in sector specific site visits, project briefings, and one-on-one meetings with public and private sector leaders. The event will feature a dynamic lineup of panel discussions, business-to-business networking sessions, site visits, and government briefings, all designed to provide U.S. investors with comprehensive insights into Liberia's economic potential and investment friendly climate. This conference underscores Liberia's commitment to expanding its economic frontiers by leveraging international partnerships to drive sustainable development, job creation, and infrastructure growth. Key sectors to be showcased include agriculture, energy, infrastructure, tourism, mining, and digital economy, among others. The 'Bridge to Prosperity' conference is also a strategic pillar of the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID), Liberia's national development framework. The event underscores the government's commitment to mobilizing international investment as a means to accelerate job creation, infrastructure development, and economic transformation. Participants will include senior government officials, international development partners, private sector leaders, U.S. trade delegations, and representatives from multilateral institutions. The event aims to generate concrete commitments that will translate into job creation, technology transfer, and inclusive development. With this initiative, Liberia continues to chart a forward looking path in economic diplomacy, positioning itself as a gateway for U.S. investors into West Africa. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Liberia.
Daily Record
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
National Insurance hikes could see more people lose their job this year
A new survey found a third of businesses are planning further job cuts following the April National Insurance change. Income tax rises for Scots in April - how the changes affect you A third of business owners have said they plan to cut more jobs after being hit by higher National Insurance Contributions (NICs) in April, according to new research. Many companies have also suggested they will cut back hours, freeze pay and hike prices in order to help cover increased tax payments. S&W's business owners sentiment survey revealed around 20 per cent of those quizzed said they have already reduced their staff numbers as a 'direct result' of the NIC changes which came into effect in April. At the Autumn Budget last year, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced that employers' NICs would rise from 13.8 per cent to 15 per cent, while the threshold at which firms would start paying also increased. The increase came in at the same time as the jump in the National Living Wage and reduced business rates relief for some firms. The survey found 33 per cent of business owners said they were still planning further cuts to staff numbers after feeling the impact of the tax increase. Firms said they were also looking to a series of other measures in order to offset the jump in their operating costs. The survey of 500 UK business owners with turnovers of £5 million upwards also showed 46 per cent of those surveyed said they were planning further price increases as a result. Meanwhile, 35 per cent of business owners said they planned to reduce staff hours and 29 per cent said they were looking at freezing pay. It comes as firms highlighted higher commodity and energy costs, as well as disruption from wider macroeconomic uncertainty. Claire Burden, partner in consulting at S&W, said: 'Businesses face considerable challenges in the current economic climate and many owners are having to make difficult decisions to stay afloat. 'Given that salaries represent a considerable proportion of the overall cost base for most businesses, it is to be expected that many are looking closely at headcounts in response to the increased national insurance costs.' Alex Simpson, partner in employer solutions at S&W, said: 'For most businesses, the extent of the employers' NIC change was a surprise. 'We anticipated an increase in the employers' rate, but the additional reduction to the earnings threshold was not expected and is expected to have a dramatic impact over time.' A UK Government spokesman said: 'We are a pro-business government. We are protecting the smallest businesses from the employer national insurance rise, shielding 250,000 retail, hospitality and leisure business properties from paying full business rates and have capped corporation tax. 'We delivered a once-in-a-Parliament budget last year that took necessary decisions on tax to stabilise the public finances, including the NHS which has now seen waiting lists fall five months in a row. 'We are now focused on creating opportunities for businesses to compete and access the finance they need to scale, export and break into new markets.'
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
E-TRANS 2025 WORKSHOP: Technology, digitisation driving Haryana's transport sector forward
Haryana transport minister Anil Vij on Monday said that to reduce road accidents the state government is focusing on education, enforcement, engineering, environment and emergency. Vij was addressing the inaugural session of the two-day workshop 'e-Trans 2025' organised by the Union ministry of road transport and highways and the National Informatics Centre (NIC) in Chandigarh. Participants from the Union ministry of road transport and highways, along with representatives from Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Delhi and Chandigarh are attending this workshop. Addressing the issue of road accidents, Vij underlined the need to leverage technology to reduce accidents and save precious lives. He noted that the increase in vehicle traffic over the past two decades has led to a worrying rise in road accidents. Vij said that more than 10 lakh road accidents occurred across the country between January 1, 2023, and March 31, 2025, with over 23,000 accidents reported in Haryana during the same period. Meanwhile, secretary of the Union ministry of road transport and highways V Umashankar, stated that the target is to reduce road accidents by 50% by 2030. This objective can be achieved through the effective use of data and new technology, he said, adding several new initiatives and positive changes have been implemented in the country's transport sector, benefiting citizens significantly. Umashankar said a large number of services have been made faceless, which has simplified processes for people, saving both time and money. He said to improve the traffic system, the central government provides grants to establish state-of-the-art driving training centers in districts across the country. He appealed to the states to maximise the use of these grants and open such centers at the district level. Emphasising the importance of technology and data, he said these tools are essential to simplify people's lives and eliminate corruption.
