GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
Ministry of External Affairs 

RAJYASABHA
STARRED QUESTION NO. 31
TO BE ANSWERED ON AUGUST 09, 2012
Collection of Biometric Data of Foreigners

*31. SHRI RAJEEV CHANDRASEKHAR: 

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a)   whether the Government proposes to launch a pilot project in the Indian Consulates in certain other countries to collect the biometric data of all foreign nationals applying for visas to visit India;

 (b)   if so the details thereof; and

(c)    by when this is likely to be done?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
(SHRI S.M. KRISHNA)

(a) & (b) Yes, Sir. It is proposed to start enrolment of biometric procedures as a pilot project in our Indian Missions and Posts in USA, UK and Pakistan. The enrolment of biometric procedures includes capturing often fingerprints and facial biometrics.

(c)  Government proposes to complete the process of implementation of biometric procedures by September 2014 subject to completion of all requirements in the Indian Missions and Posts and other local factors in the host countries.