Smart Cards for Visitors & Metal Detectors: Parl Security Beefed Up to Avoid Rerun of Dec Breach

Security has been beefed up in Parliament, with several measures such as body scanners and visitor smart cards being introduced for the Budget Session, after the Winter Session breach last year prompted feedback on tightening norms.

Body scanners and metal detectors are amongst the measures put into place at the gates of the Parliament complex, much like airports that are manned by the CISF. Frisking within the premises is currently handled by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).

After the security breach, Parliament has stopped entry of visitors but in case of a pre-approved meeting or special guest, there is now a robust security mechanism in place.

Now, smart cards are issued for visitors too after they clear multiple rounds of checking. There are two ways to obtain this smart card. One can put in a request online with the form that needs all details, including name, Aadhaar, address proof et cetera. After the due approval, the visitor will receive a QR code which he or she will have to produce when they come to Parliament. Once the code is scanned, the visitor will have to submit their biometric details and can obtain the smart card.

If the visitor comes physically, he or she will have to fill a form and the details will be entered online. After due approval, the person will have to fill in their biometric details to get the smart card. Once the details are keyed into the system, they will not have to be given each time the visitor comes to the complex.

On leaving from Parliament, the visitor will have to submit the smart card back at the reception. This enhanced mechanism will ensure that the movement of the visitor across the Parliament building is also tracked. At every entry and exit point, the visitor will have to display the smart card for security checking. Not only does this do away with human interference and produce digital records but it also helps in saving paper as paper passes are done away with.

Ever since the Parliament security breach on December 13, 2023, several steps have been taken to ensure a repeat does not take place. Multiple levels of security, including Parliament security force, continue to monitor the premises. The parliamentary security services and Delhi Police personnel are now present even in the galleries.