Centre mulls making Aarogya Setu app e-pass during lockdown

New Delhi: As the period of nationwide lockdown is set to increase for some more weeks, the Centre is mulling to provide the e-pass facility in the Aarogya Setu mobile app, which would be used during the lockdown.

According to a senior official, the call has to be taken by the Empowered Group constituted for Logistics and Secretary Consumer Affairs as many states have systems to issue the e-passes.

"There have been suggestions to build in this functionality in the Aarogya Setu App. The idea is good and technical feasibility of the same is being worked out," the official further added.

As per the official, there would be a colour signalling system in the app that would help people in accessing the services allowed during the nationwide lockdown.

Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also hinted that the Aarogya Setu App might be used as an e-pass to facilitate travel amid the lockdown. The mobile application is available in 11 Indian languages.

The app was developed by the government to enable citizens to know about transmission risk associated with coronavirus.

The app, which is compatible with Android as well as iOS platforms help users in calculating COVID-19 transmission risk based on their interaction with others. The app uses Bluetooth technology, algorithms and artificial intelligence to detect travel histories of the app users.

As per the experts, the app may help the government in taking necessary and timely steps for assessing the risk of spread of COVID-19 infection.