PIB to issue IDs with barcodes to journalists

New Delhi: For the first time ever, accredited journalists will get barcode-enabled cards from the Press Information Bureau (PIB) in 2017. The Modi government is claiming to have introduced the measure in an effort to enhance the security features and access to sensitive establishments.

Sources said the barcode embedded at the back of these cards would bear relevant details of the respective journalists and will be accessible to security personnel at the click of a button. Security staff at high risk buildings are likely to be provided with devices to read these bar codes in an effort to check the authenticity and identity of cards and their bearers.

The data collected is expected to be stored and may be used for future scrutiny, sources stated. Till now no such data of entry and exit of journalists into government buildings is kept or is possible to maintain. Till now cards were issued with the digitally scanned signature of the chief security officer of the MHA, who grants the holder entry into restricted areas.

It is understood that the new security features on the PIB cards have been put in place in consultation with the home ministry. Approximately 3,000 accreditation cards are understood to be issued by the PIB.