Digital signature on degree certificates
The first batch of certificates sporting the electronically generated signature of Vice-Chancellor A. Jayakrishnan was printed on Thursday.
“A Vice-Chancellor signs hundreds of certificates in a day. On some days, I have signed 1,000 certificates at one go. It takes it toll on you,” Dr. Jayakrishnan told The Hindu as he demonstrated the operation of the device.
Security features
The device is designed in such a manner that the Vice-Chancellor has to operate it in person.
First he has to place his thumb on a scanner so that the computer can confirm that it is the Vice-Chancellor himself who is operating the system.
Then he has to key in a user name and a password which is known only to him. Again, before giving the command to print certificates, he has to get his thumb scanned again for a final confirmation of identity.
As many as 100 certificates can be printed at a time. After each batch of certificates is printed, the Vice-Chancellor has to manually sign a form which states the number of certificates printed and the time of printing. This, according to Dr. Jayakrishnan, makes the new system tamper-proof.
“The device has been placed right next to the Vice-Chancellor's desk and will not under any circumstance be taken out of his chamber for printing certificates,” he said.
For students, the installation of the new system will mean a drastic reduction in the waiting period for getting a degree certificate signed by the Vice-Chancellor.
“We have amended the university ordinance and the Senate and the Syndicate have cleared the amendment. Of course, I will still sign a certificate personally if for any reason I am required to do so,” Dr. Jayakrishnan added.
The software has been designed by the Technopark firm Azinova Technologies and the device cost the varsity Rs.1.66 lakh.
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