The Russian government will begin issuing a universal identification and payment card this month. The card has been developed with the aim of streamlining the payment of pensions and taxes and can also be used like a bank card in stores, according to Russian news agency RIA Novosti.

Containing an electronic chip as well as the holder’s picture and digital signature, the card will facilitate the payment of household utilities, public transportation, prescriptions, or any other social and municipal purposes.

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It will be issued on request from January 2013 and issued to all citizens in 2014, except for those who submit a written refusal.

The Russian economics ministry estimated that this five year program,which also seeks to replace internal passports, will cost between RUB135bn and RUB165bn (USD4.4bn-USD5.4bn)

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