Facing heavy criticism on the issue of photo-identity cards in the capital from various political parties, Lieutenant Governor Tejendra Khanna has finally clarified that carrying ID proofs will not be mandatory for denizens.

Mr. Khanna, in a press conference said, “The message has been misunderstood and I had never said that carrying ID proof would be made mandatory. I never intended or suggested that not carrying photo-identity cards would be treated as offence and that people would be treated as culprits."

“I had just instructed the Delhi Police commissioner to increase surveillance in different parts of the NCT (National Capital Territory) to screen persons arousing suspicion. We have an open society and no one would be put to unwanted discomfort,” he added.

However, Khanna maintained that people would have to carry identity proof on high-security occasions like the Republic Day and the Independence Day.

On the other side, Delhi Chief Minister, Sheila Dikshit has also criticized Khanna’s move and said she was not consulted on the matter.

Last week, Khanna had said that starting the 15th of this month; all residents of Delhi would have to carry some sort of ID but his ambitious plan failed to find support among political parties.

Even as Bihar Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar in a letter written to the Prime Minister, claimed that the new policy would make working and living in Delhi impossible for thousands of Bihari labourers.

Delhi has a population of over 14 million. But only around six million people have been issued with electoral ID cards and 2-3 million have driving licences.