India is embracing digital technology, and a major change on the horizon is the introduction of new e-passports later this year. This shift is part of the Passport Seva Program 2.0, designed to bring a significant digital makeover to the country’s passport system.
Step 1: Enhanced Security with Integrated Chips
The upcoming e-passports will include a special integrated chip. This chip stores essential biometric information such as photographs and fingerprints of the passport holder. According to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, this innovative feature will drastically enhance security measures, making it incredibly difficult to counterfeit passports at international borders.
Step 2: EASE Initiative for Improved Services
The Ministry of External Affairs has launched the EASE initiative to enhance passport services in multiple ways. Here’s what EASE stands for:
- E: Enhanced Digital Systems: Citizens will enjoy improved passport services through advanced digital platforms.
- A: Artificial Intelligence (AI) Integration: AI-based services will be integrated into the passport system for more efficient service delivery.
- S: Smoother Foreign Travel: Travelers will experience seamless foreign trips using e-passports equipped with chips.
- E: Elevated Data Security: The second ‘E’ highlights the heightened data security measures implemented in the new e-passports.
Step 3: Following Global Trends
Finland has taken the lead in this digital passport revolution. Finnish citizens can now travel to the UK using e-passports, eliminating the need for physical documents. This forward-thinking approach has influenced other countries like the UK, US, South Korea, and Poland, all actively engaged in similar digital passport projects. This global movement signifies a widespread shift toward digital travel documentation, simplifying international journeys for citizens worldwide.