Security overhaul in Indian Parliament after recent breach: Introduces ID cards & facial recognition

New, 'stringent' measures have been implemented in the Indian Parliament following the security breach, with the aim of reshaping security protocols, as per reports on Wednesday, December 13. These measures prioritise the minimization of interaction between Members of Parliament (MPs) and visitors. The modifications come in the wake of a distressing incident during which two intruders breached the Lok Sabha chamber during Zero Hour on the 22nd anniversary of the Parliament terror attack.

New center set up to facilitate MPs' interactions with the media

The revised security measures include the establishment of a media briefing centre at UN20 of the North Utility Building in Parliament House. This centre aims to facilitate MPs in providing interviews or bytes to the media. 

Smart ID card-based visitor management system introduced

Alongside this, a smart ID Card-based visitor management system has been introduced, providing smart identity cards for all members. MPs who have yet to register themselves in the Visitors' Management System have been urged to visit the Administrator Room in the South Utility Block, Parliament House, for registration and to obtain their Smart Identity Cards.

Facial recognition devices employed to regulate access within Parliament house

Notably, a key addition to the security apparatus is the implementation of a Facial Recognition System to regulate access within Parliament House. As per reports, the MPs will be now required to position themselves in front of designated areas marked with yellow stripes, allowing their image to be captured by facial recognition devices. Subsequently, the flap barriers will open to grant access upon successful identification. Members are instructed to wait behind red strips to ensure smooth passage for others.

The security revamp was prompted by the recent breach in which two individuals accessed the Lok Sabha chamber from the visitor gallery, carrying canisters and causing a commotion. They released yellow gas and shouted slogans before being subdued by MPs. The House was adjourned temporarily in the wake of the incident.

Congress MP Karti Chidambaram detailed the intrusion, highlighting the presence of two individuals wielding canisters. Simultaneously, outside the premises, another pair sprayed coloured gas and voiced slogans, further intensifying the security scare.

This incident underscores the  still existing vulnerability of the Parliament premises and the urgency to fortify security measures. 

(With ANI inputs)