India’s journey towards smart policing has achieved a major milestone with a pioneering digital initiative from Gujarat. By blending technology with privacy safeguards, a city police force has demonstrated how law enforcement can modernize security systems while protecting citizen rights and promoting transparent governance.
What is the Aadhaar-Linked PATHIK System?
- PATHIK is a guest monitoring software used by hotels, PG accommodations, and homestays to record visitor details for security purposes.
- With Aadhaar integration, the system now allows instant identity verification through QR-code scanning, using the Aadhaar App.
- Importantly, the system is consent-based and does not store Aadhaar numbers, ensuring privacy.
- Only digitally signed demographic details and photographs are used, making the process secure, paperless, and efficient.
Historic First for Indian Policing
- This initiative marks the first formal agreement between a police agency and the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) for guest verification.
- By adopting Aadhaar-enabled verification,
- Ahmedabad Police have set a national precedent in balancing public safety with data protection. The move reflects a shift towards technology-driven policing aligned with India’s broader digital governance vision.
National Recognition and Smart Policing Model
- The technical robustness and real-world impact of PATHIK have earned it national-level recognition.
- Out of many applicants, only 11 agencies were selected to showcase technological innovations at the national level.
- PATHIK is the only law enforcement project among them, highlighting its importance as a scalable and replicable model for policing reforms across the country.
Statewide Adoption and Field Impact
- Launched in 2017, PATHIK has grown from a local experiment into a statewide security tool. Currently, over 9,000 hotels and accommodations across Gujarat are onboarded.
- The system has already helped police trace more than 50 missing persons and identify illegal immigrants, proving its effectiveness in real-world law enforcement operations. Aadhaar integration further strengthens its reliability and reach.
Privacy-Centric Digital Governance
- A key strength of the PATHIK system lies in its privacy-by-design approach. Unlike traditional verification methods, it avoids physical document collection and data storage.
- The QR-based Aadhaar verification ensures minimal data use, reducing risks of misuse or leaks.
- This makes PATHIK an example of how digital tools can enhance security without compromising citizens’ rights.
Key Summary at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
| Why in News? | First Aadhaar-linked police guest verification system |
| Police Agency | Ahmedabad City Crime Branch |
| Software Used | PATHIK |
| Key Feature | QR-based Aadhaar verification without data storage |
| Coverage | 9,000+ hotels across Gujarat |
| Impact | Helped trace 50+ missing persons |
Question
Q. PATHIK software, recently in news, is primarily related to:
A. Traffic management
B. Guest monitoring and verification
C. Cybercrime reporting
D. Prison administration