India set to launch electronic passport programme

Amsterdam: Digital security company Gemalto has announced its selection by the government of India for the supply of its Sealys eTravel solution. This will be utilised by India's national security printer, the India Security Press.

The announcement comes just three days after external affairs minister, Pranab Mukherjee, announcing the issue of biometric passports to diplomats and officials.  Addressing the media at the inauguration of a passport office in the southern city of Coimbatore Mukherjee also said that the biometric passport programme would be extended to the general public by September 2009.

Gemalto said that the solution will be used to start India's electronic passport roll-out for Indian officials and diplomats, and is a major milestone for the Indian government's external affairs ministry, India Security Press, National Informatics Centre (NIC) and Gemalto in improving immigration processing at airports and border control points.

With security related issues pressing for urgent attention in the wake of serial bomb blasts within the country, the move will also go a long way towards bolstering national security.

Gemalto is a recognised world leader in digital security and its list of e-passport customers include Cote d'Ivoire, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Italy, Latvia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Singapore, Slovenia, Sweden and USA.

Initially, the passports have been launched for Indian diplomats and government officials and they will be deployed for the general public in the second phase.

Electronic passports significantly increase security and protection against fraudulent misuse and tampering, with the use of biometric features such as a digital photograph of the passport holder. Additionally, speed and security are critical to ensure fast and reliable immigration flow and shorter queues at border crossings.

Gemalto's offer is developed in full conformance with the SCOSTA-CL specifications of the Indian government. This uniquely combines the international ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) electronic passport specification with specifics of the Indian national SCOSTA specifications.

In December 2007, the government had announced its decision to introduce bio-metric passports initially for diplomats and officials as a pilot project by the middle of 2008. Based on the experience gained from this pilot project, it is proposed to start issuance of e-passports in the ordinary category. (See: Pilot launch of bio-metric passports in mid 2008: Minister)

Gemalto says its solutions are designed to make personal digital interactions more convenient, secure and enjoyable. It provides end-to-end digital security solutions, from the development of software applications through design and production of secure personal devices such as smart cards, SIMs, e-passports, and tokens to the deployment of managed services for its customers.

This Sealys eTravel offering forms the integral security and contact-less communications component of the electronic passports that are to be manufactured by the India Security Press. It includes the advanced secure operating system and microprocessor that stores and protects the holder's digital identity as well as the communications antenna.

Tan Teck Lee, president Gemalto Asia said, "We are proud to be a part of this important advancement where we could again leverage on our leading experience and innovation to help governments provide greater security and new levels of convenience to citizens. This also demonstrates Gemalto's commitment to India by investing in the development of India specific products and solutions to bolster its existing contact SCOSTA based series of products".

The company posted pro-forma 2007 annual revenues of over €1.6 billion, and has around 85 offices across 40 countries. The company has a total staff strength of around 10,000, which includes 1,300 research and development (R&D) engineers.

Other Asian countries are expected to start a nationwide roll-out of biometric passports in the coming months.