(a) whether the Government proposes to introduce biometric passports called e-passport
to avoid fraudulent misuse and tampering;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the time by which such passports are likely to be introduced?
(a) whether the Government proposes to introduce biometric passports called e-passport
to avoid fraudulent misuse and tampering;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the time by which such passports are likely to be introduced?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS(SHRI E. AHAMED)
(a)-(c) Yes. In order to provide protection against fraudulent misuse and tampering, the
Government have decided to introduce e-passports, also known as bio-metric passports, initially
for diplomats and officials as a pilot project, which has already been launched on 25th June
2008. Based on the experience gained through the pilot phase of issuance of e-passports in the
diplomatic and official categories, issue of e-passports in the ordinary passport category will
be taken up by the end of 2009.