India Issues 80 Lakh e-Passports, Bolsters Security with Advanced System Upgrade
Image Source: Internet
New Delhi - In a significant step towards enhancing passport security, the Indian government has issued over 80 lakh e-passports since its rollout. The next-generation 'e-passport' combines both paper and electronic elements, featuring an embedded radio frequency identification chip and an antenna that store and secure the holder's data. This hybrid passport makes it harder to forge, as critical information is printed on its data page as well as stored in the chip. The e-passport system was successfully implemented across India, with 37 Passport Offices, 93 Passport Seva Kendras, and 451 Post Office Passport Seva Kendras being upgraded. Additionally, the Global Passport Seva Programme (GPSP) V2.0 was launched across Indian embassies and consulates worldwide. The system uses AI-powered chat and voice bots, auto-filled forms, and simpler document uploads to provide a more efficient and user-friendly experience. The e-passport features a 'read-only' chip that gets accessed by the system during the immigration process, making it impossible for unauthorized individuals to retrieve the data in case of loss or theft. The system also matches the embedded data with pre-stored biometric data during application, alerting authorities in case of fraudulent attempts. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has stated that all newly issued passports will be e-passports, while existing non-electronic passports will remain valid until their expiry. The MEA has also implemented a seven-layer security control to prevent hacking and disruptions. The successful rollout of the e-passport system marks another significant milestone for the MEA, enhancing passport security and convenience for citizens.
