Hyderabad, Aug. 25 -- Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, Secretary for Consular, Passport, Visa and Overseas Affairs on Wednesday said that the Government will launch e-passport either by the end of the current year or at the beginning of next year.

Speaking to the media persons, Dr Sayeed said that the e-passport system is ready to be launched. Elaborating on the features of the e-passport, he said that the particulars of an applicant will be digitally stored in an electronic chip embedded in the passport booklet with advanced security features. The chip will be readable with a machine and nobody can tamper with the data.

Dr. Sayeed said that the passports will be designed as per the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organizationand will be...