The security arrangements at the Mantralaya have been beefed up in recent days. (Express photo by Ganesh Shirsekar)
Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole on Wednesday (February 5) criticised the introduction of a facial recognition system (FRS) at Mantralaya or the state government administrative headquarters in Mumbai.
He said in a post on X, “This is actually an attempt by the government to keep the people away from the rulers and prevent the common people from the democratic process, so that builders and big industrialists can be given land and property in the state. Builders’ vehicles are entering the ministry without any hindrance, but the common people are being obstructed.”
You’ve Read Your Free Stories For Now
Sign up and keep reading more stories that matter to you.
The first day after a new FRS was installed at the Mantralaya on Monday was marred with long queues and confusion. The system was allegedly launched in a hurry without proper trial runs. Moreover, many employees’ data were not yet fed into the system, meaning several officials were denied entry. However, the security staff initially did not let anyone enter without the FRS authentication, causing chaos at the entrances.
Here’s all you need to know about the system and why it has been introduced.
How does the system work?
Any officer, employee, or public representative working at the Mantralaya must register for the FRS. Thus far, the IT department has received the necessary details from 10,500 officers and individuals, which have been fed into the system.
All entrances into the Mantralaya have the FRS installed, and individuals will be allowed entry based on their security clearance.
For visitors, there is the option to authenticate their credentials and secure an entry by logging into the DG Pravesh App. Visitors can also apply for a temporary pass at a counter at the entrance, for which their photo and identity card details will be taken. They will be issued a specific RFID card which will only allow them to access the specific floors in which they have an appointment.
For journalists, face recognition has been made mandatory. Despite government-approved state accreditation and special passes from the Home Department (for those without accreditation), journalists who regularly cover the Mantralaya and Maharashtra state administration will have to get themselves registered.
Why was this system introduced?
According to the government, the FRS was pressed into service at the Mantralaya to curb unauthorised entry, enhance security, and also reduce crowding, which should accelerate the functioning of the Mantralaya.
In the past, the Mantralaya has witnessed many agitations, from farmers and other groups upset with the state. A net was installed inside the building after some farmers threatened to jump from the higher floors as a means of protest. The FRS is a further step in improving the secretariat’s internal security.
The system will not only restrict access but also enable security personnel to constantly monitor visitors’ movement. Previously, visitors could access multiple floors, and freely access areas across the Mantralaya premises.
Alok Deshpande is a Special Correspondent with The Indian Express' Mumbai bureau, recognized for his focused and authoritative reporting on governance, politics, and the socio-economic dynamics of Maharashtra's hinterlands. His unique academic background in Geology and early work in the water sector provides a specialized layer of Expertise to his reporting on resource and environmental issues.
Expertise
Current Role: Special Correspondent, The Indian Express, Mumbai.
Core Authority: Alok provides detailed coverage of Maharashtra politics and governance, with a particular emphasis on how policies and power struggles affect the rural and semi-urban areas (the 'hinterlands').
Key Coverage Areas: His reports frequently focus on high-stakes administrative and political topics, including:
State Assembly Proceedings: In-depth reporting on the Legislative Assembly, covering ministerial statements, legislative debates, and inter-party conflict within the ruling Mahayuti alliance.
Policy & Finance: Coverage of state finances, including supplementary budget demands, fiscal deficits, and major government schemes (e.g., Jal Jeevan Mission, Ladki Bahin Yojana).
Rural and Social Issues: Reports on critical health issues (e.g., child deaths in districts), human-animal conflict (leopard attacks, stray dogs), and agrarian concerns (e.g., farmer suicides).
Local and Urban Governance: Covers major announcements regarding urban development (e.g., BMC's OC amnesty scheme, pagdi system push) and local body elections, including political defections and alliance splits.
Unique Credentials & Trustworthiness
Academic Specialization: Holds a Post-graduate degree in Geology. This background gives him a foundational understanding of natural resources, which directly informs his reporting on environment, water, and infrastructure projects.
Early Professional Experience: His shift to journalism came after working with an NGO focused on the water sector. This practical experience strengthens his Expertise in critical areas like water management and rural development, as evidenced by his reporting on the Jal Jeevan Mission.
Journalism Training: An alumnus of the prestigious Asian College of Journalism (ACJ), Chennai, confirming his formal training and commitment to rigorous journalistic standards.
Alok Deshpande's rare combination of scientific education, non-profit sector experience, and deep political reporting makes him a highly trusted and authoritative voice on the governance and ground realities of Maharashtra.
He tweets @alokdesh ... Read More
