"I had never said that ID proof would be made mandatory. The message has been misunderstood. I never said without ID cards, people will be treated as culprits. Ours is an open society and no citizen can be put to unwanted discomfort," he told reporters.

The Lt Governor had on January four announced that he had given an order to Delhi Police for random checking of denizens for possession of photo-ID cards starting from January 15 in view of enhanced terror threats.

He had also said if any individual was unable to produce the proof, adequate action would be taken against the concerned person.

"I had just instructed the Police Commissioner to increase surveillance in different parts of the NCT (National Capital Territory) to screen persons arousing suspicion," Khanna clarified on Monday.

He said he had never intended or suggested that non-possession of photo-identity cards would be treated as any kind of violation or any illicit action.

"No mandatory order has been issued regarding compulsory possession of ID cards or their checking as such by police from January 15, 2008," Khanna said.

He said during the screening process to be undertaken by the police, any photo identification document would be of convenience to the persons whose conduct may have aroused suspicion.

Khanna said in view of heightened security threats and with a view to improving public security consciousness and the security environment in the capital, he had instructed Police Commissioner Y S Dadwal to increase surveillance in different parts of the city to screen persons arousing suspicion.

"Such increased surveillance would be during periods of enhanced security, threat perception such as Republic Day, Independence Day, festivals etc," he clarified.

The clarification came in the wake of severe criticism of the move from several quarters, including political parties.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar wrote to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, complaining that the move was aimed at targeting migrants from his state.

Monday's announcement also came after a delegation of Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit accompanied by her Cabinet colleagues and members of the ruling Congress called on the Lt Governor separately to seek a clarification on the matter.

Khanna said there will be random checking on roads and special teams of police will be formed for the purpose that will be headed by officers above the rank of Sub Inspector.

People can approach the Police Commissioner through a 24-hour hour helpline, which will be set up, if there is any inconvenience, he added.

On the issue of revalidation of driving licences issued by other states in the capital, he said it was only one of the proposals made to ensure that people driving in Delhi are competent enough.

"There cannot be any provision outside the present law. All we want is that the people driving on the roads of Delhi are competent enough to drive on these busy roads," Khanna said.