The new City Visitor Information and Record Management System (CVIRMS) was formally launched after a successful three-month trial. Under the system, establishments must collect and upload visitor details, including Aadhaar or other government-issued IDs, during check-in. The information is automatically synced with police databases, allowing officers to quickly verify if a guest has a criminal history.
SP V. Harshavardhan Raju, who spearheaded the initiative, said the system is designed to ensure safety for both residents and pilgrims in Tirupati, a city that draws thousands of visitors daily.
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Ancient Practice, Digital Upgrade
While the initiative is modern, officials point out that the idea of recording visitor details is not new. Historical texts from the Mauryan period (4th-2nd century BCE) describe meticulous registers of travelers, merchants, and strangers for the purpose of maintaining security. Chanakya’s Arthashastra emphasized the practice as a safeguard against espionage and lawlessness. The CVIRMS updates that principle for the digital era, promising faster responses to potential threats.
Wider Implications and Expansion Plans
At present, 644 hotels and lodges in Tirupati have been connected to the portal, with about 75 percent already uploading data. Police plan to extend the system to Srikalahasti next. Authorities say future upgrades will integrate the system with the National Crime Bureau Records, creating a seamless nationwide network to track offenders across state borders.
“The CVIRMS not only helps prevent illegal activities but also aids significantly in detecting crimes quickly,” said SP Raju. “We see this as a model that other districts can adopt.”
Balancing Safety and Privacy
While the system has been praised for bolstering security in one of India’s busiest temple towns, it also raises questions about data privacy and surveillance. Authorities stress that the collected data will be used strictly for law enforcement purposes and that safeguards are in place. Supporters argue that in a pilgrimage center like Tirupati, where millions of devotees converge each year, the need for safety outweighs concerns.
