Union home minister P. Chidambaram is expected to issue resident identity smart cards to some residents in Andaman and Nicobar Islands during his two-day visit to the Union Territory beginning Saturday.

The issuance of the identity cards is part of the project started by the MHA to provide smart cards to the 1.2 crore population living in 3,331 coastal villages in nine maritime states and the Union Territories . It is being implemented by the registrar-general of India on behalf of the MHA.
Mr Chidambaram will issue the biometric smart cards to a few residents of Andaman and Nicobar Islands at a function organised by the local administration, official sources said.
Mr Chidambaram is also expected to review the progress of the investigation into the alleged exploitation of Jarawa tribes there.
The home minister is also expected to carry out a review of various development projects, including health, sanitation and roads being implemented by the Union Territory administration.
The coastal security measures adopted by the state to strengthen coastal surveillance is also likely to come up for review.
The home minister may also visit a few tsunami-affected areas in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.