New Delhi (PTI): Infosys Technologies Co-Chairman Nandan Nilekani today stepped down from the board of the company after he was appointed head of a project to provide a Unique Identification Number to county's citizens.

Mr Nilekani was handpicked by the Government to head UID Authority of India (UIDAI). The Authority, under the aegis of the Planning Commission, is aimed at providing a unique identity to the targeted population of the Government's flagship schemes like the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyaan and Bharat Nirman.

As Chairman of the body, Mr Nilekani will have the rank and status of a Cabinet minister.

"The Authority shall have the responsibilities to lay down plans and policies to implement the Unique Identification Scheme, shall own and operate the Unique Identification number database and be responsible for its updation and maintenance on an ongoing basis," I& B Minister Ambika Soni told reporters here.

"We are glad that an extraordinary individual like Nandan has got an opportunity to add value to India through this position. As a company that has always put the interest of society ahead of itself, Infosys will accept his absence with a sense of duty to a larger cause," Infosys Chairman and Mentor N R Narayana Murthy said.

Mr Nilekani's resignation would be effective from July 9.