Govt plans to introduce e-passports for Indian citizens

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Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday announced that e-passports would be rolled out in 2022-23 for more convenience to the public.</p>
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The e-passports will use embedded chips and futuristic technology, she explained in her budget speech in the Lok Sabha.</p>
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The e-passports will have more security features and will use Radio-Frequency Identification and biometrics, according to officials.</p>
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The passport will have an electronic chip with security-related data encoded on it and will be in accordance with international norms, officials said. </p>
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The e-passport is expected to facilitate smooth passage through immigration posts globally and provide more security as they would be based on biometric data.</p>
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Currently passports are issued in booklet form.</p>