Aiming to provide a smooth and convenient campus experience—especially for students—Banaras Hindu University has begun issuing RFID-enabled smart ID cards. The initiative has been launched as a pilot project at the Sayaji Rao Gaekwad Central Library. This technology will make the process of issuing and returning books simpler, faster, and more transparent. With the help of RFID, students can easily check the availability of books and locate them within specific sections of the library. Additionally, library entry and attendance have been digitized through these smart cards.
Dr. D.K. Singh, Librarian, informed that Banaras Hindu University is likely the first institution in the country to implement this technology in a library with such an extensive collection of books, resources, and manuscripts. He mentioned that the library currently houses over 1.6 million books, millions of periodicals, 13,795 journals, and 12,556 rare manuscripts. It serves approximately 36,000 users, including students, researchers, teachers, and staff. Dr. Singh stated that, over time, the smart RFID card technology will be expanded to various university institutes, faculties, colleges, and departmental libraries. Once the RFID-based entry system is fully implemented, it will help streamline the management and monitoring of library resources by users.
The Dean of Students, Prof. Anupam Kumar Nema, informed that the RFID card is a new initiative by the university. The university has already started distributing these cards. He added that, in the future, the card could also be used for recording attendance and as a health diary at the university's health centre.
The RFID-enabled cards are the latest addition to the university's ongoing student-centric initiatives. This marks a significant step toward realizing the concept of "One Card, One University" at BHU. The card will integrate with various university services and facilities, such as the swimming pool, health centre, and sports complex, thereby eliminating the need for multiple identification cards. Acting as a universal identity card, it will replace the current plastic cards used by students and staff.
