Biometric passports to be piloted

New Delhi: Indian passports are set to go hi-tech with the government clearing the way for the introduction of e-passports. The new passports, which will incorporate biometrics and sophisticated fingerprinting technology, are being seen as a major initiative to check tampering with passports and duplication. To be introduced initially for diplomats and officials under a pilot project, the move is an attempt by the ministry of external affairs to ensure international standards of travel safety in the country.
Indian passports are currently being machine-printed and are machine-readable, as per the specifications laid down by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
An attempt to ensure that India falls in line with security measures adopted internationally by developed countries, the new passports will put India in the league of many other countries that already use the technology.
The fingerprinting technology, for example, is already in use in the US and many other developed countries to check the entry of illegal visitors.
04/12/06 Asian Age/AKI, Italy

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