Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has mandated the use of biometric-enabled smart identity cards for entry into the newly constructed CCS-3 building, located within the Central Vista redevelopment zone.
This directive applies to all central government employees, including contractual staff, whose ministries or departments have been allotted space in the building.
The move is part of a broader effort to enhance security and streamline access control across high-security government facilities.
The CCS-3 building currently houses offices of nine key ministries and departments, including the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, and Ministry of Rural Development, among others.
Transition from Traditional ID Cards to Smart Authentication at MHA
Under the new protocol, existing identity cards without biometric features will be rendered invalid.
Employees are required to submit biometric data, including fingerprints and photographs, which will be linked to the new smart cards.
These cards will serve as both identity verification and access credentials.
The Aadhaar Enabled Biometric Attendance System (AEBAS) has already been installed in the building for attendance tracking.
It will now be integrated with the smart card system to verify identity and allow entry at designated access points.
Previously, biometric data was used only for attendance tracking and not for entry control.
Implementation Process and Employee Instructions
An internal communication from the MHA has instructed all affected employees to complete an online application via the ministry’s portal.
Applicants must upload a passport-size photograph, signature, and other required documents in JPEG or JPG format.
Once submitted, they will be notified of a scheduled date to report to the Pass Cell of the MHA for biometric authentication and card collection.
The smart card issuance process is expected to streamline access, reduce manual verification, and improve overall security.
All employees currently using older ID cards have been asked to transition to the new system immediately to avoid disruptions.
Security and Operational Rationale
Officials familiar with the development highlighted that the CCS-3 building is directly secured by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Because of this level of oversight, stricter access protocols have become necessary.
The biometric smart card system is intended to prevent unauthorized entry and ensure that only verified personnel can access the premises.
It also enables real-time monitoring of staff movement within the building.
According to Dev Gupta, President of the Central Secretariat Service Forum, the new system represents a significant upgrade in security infrastructure.
He also raised concerns about the seating arrangements allocated to CSS officers in the Central Vista buildings.
He urged the government to resolve the discrepancies between actual placements and the norms that have been officially prescribed.
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