Question : BIOMETRIC VERIFICATION OF SUBSCRIBERS

(a) whether the Home Ministry has asked the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to explore an option of making it compulsory for cellphone service providers to take finger prints or any other biometric feature of the subscriber before activating mobile number to maintain a central database comprising biometric features of all subscriber and opt for linking it with the National Intelligence Grid (NAT);

(b) if so, the details thereof and the response of the DoT in this regard;

(c) whether the Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) and other stakeholders have been consulted or proposed to be consulted in this regard;

(d) if so, the details thereof and the reaction received in this regard; and

(e) the time by which it is likely to be done?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI MILIND DEORA)

(a) to (e) Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has recently received a suggestion from Ministry of Home Affairs indicating that a central database be maintained by DoT of all subscribers which maintains biometric parameters akin to the “AADHAAR” system. As per this proposal, this would entail taking fingerprint/thumb impression or any other unique biometric feature of the subscriber when he/she applies for a mobile connection. This suggestion is presently being examined in DoT and decision on the same is yet to be taken.