Passport and Arms License Latest Update: If You Have Committed a Crime Anywhere, You Will Not Get a Passport and Arms License

INVC NEWS
New Delhi : In a significant development aimed at strengthening the security measures for international travel and the issuance of arms licenses, authorities have implemented a new requirement. The latest update states that individuals with a criminal record will be denied the opportunity to obtain a passport and arms license. This strict measure ensures that individuals with a history of criminal activity are not granted access to sensitive documents and firearms, safeguarding the interests of public safety and international security.

The Role of Fingerprints in NOC and Investigation Reports

To enforce this new regulation, it is now mandatory for applicants to undergo fingerprint verification as part of the process to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for a passport and arms license. The Police Headquarters has issued instructions to all District Superintendents of Police to facilitate this procedure. The fingerprints of applicants will be fed into the National Automatic Finger Print Identification System (NEFIS) software, which houses a comprehensive database of fingerprints of criminals from all across the country, encompassing over 1.5 crore individuals involved in various criminal activities.

Access to Comprehensive Crime Records

NEFIS serves as a repository of crime records associated with the fingerprints stored in the system. The MP Finger Print Records Bureau, a unit of the State Crime Records Bureau (SCRB), has taken steps to ensure convenience for the applicants. Live scanners, accompanied by trained fingerprint officers, have been deployed at the district level to streamline the fingerprinting process for passport and arms license applicants. Once the fingerprints are taken and scanned using the NEFIS system, a detailed report is generated. If an applicant has a criminal record, it will be explicitly mentioned in the report. This comprehensive system encompasses fingerprints of individuals involved in crimes punishable for one year or more, including convicted and undertrial prisoners.

Implementation of NOC Verification in Agar-Malwa and Beyond

The implementation of NOC verification through fingerprint analysis from NEFIS began in Agar-Malwa approximately six months ago. During this initial phase, an applicant who applied for an arms license had his fingerprints checked against the NEFIS database, revealing an undisclosed case registered against him in Uttar Pradesh. This discovery prompted authorities to scrutinize other applications, leading to the unearthing of similar cases. Subsequently, the State Crime Records Bureau (SCRB) informed the Police Headquarters (PHQ) about these findings, prompting a decision to implement NEFIS verification for arms license and passport applications in all districts. This system has been operational in all districts for the past week, ensuring that the fingerprints of over one million criminals and their associated criminal records are accounted for in the NEFIS database.

Advancements in Identification Technology: Iris Scanner

In addition to fingerprints, retina identification is another vital means of establishing unique identification. Authorities have recognized the significance of iris scanning as an additional method for identification and are making efforts to incorporate this technology. The Ministry of Home Affairs has initiated the process of arranging iris scanners, which are already in use at international airports for passenger verification. Individuals with blurred or indistinguishable fingerprints will benefit from the implementation of iris scanners, providing an alternative method of identification. The Union Home Ministry has mandated the inclusion of iris scanning capability within the NEFIS system, ensuring enhanced accuracy and efficiency in the identification process.