PU goes digital with smart IDs for staff | Chandigarh News

Chandigarh: Panjab University Thursday rolled out Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)-based smart identity cards for its employees to strengthen campus security and streamline digital access systems.The initiative covers teaching and non-teaching staff, daily wagers and retirees. The first RFID cards were presented to vice-chancellor Renu Vig and registrar YP Verma during a brief event on campus.Officials said the cards will ensure authorised entry of bona fide employees and prevent unauthorised access. Each card carries encrypted personal details and photographs embedded through an official QR code and RFID tag. The encoded data cannot be altered, and any attempt to create a counterfeit card will render it unreadable. Compliant with ISO IEC 14443 standards, the cards use multi-layer authentication before exchanging data with RFID readers. The system is integrated with the university’s employee database for verification.The VC suggested extending RFID cards to students, starting with hostel pilots. Registrar Verma said the system would enhance security and create a reliable authentication mechanism.Committee chairperson Sonal Chawla said the cards will soon be linked with boom barriers at entry points. In later phases, the system may be extended to students and integrated with services such as hostels, mess facilities and libraries through a single digital interface. TNN