Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to satate :-

(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 include capturing of ten 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.

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