Bhubaneswar, Dec.1: Utkal University has decided to include photographs of students on certificates with the University Grants Commission asking varsities across the country to adopt security features to ensure uniformity and transparency on the documents.

“The University of Mumbai has started issuing such certificates, and we wish to emulate it soon. The matter has to be formally discussed at the syndicate meeting, following which we will start issuing certificates carrying the photograph of the students from next year onwards,” said vice-chancellor A.K. Dash.

The varsity has also introduced rainbow-coloured mark sheets, which are difficult to duplicate or manipulate. “It will also make it easier for verification by various authorities and employing organisations,” Dash said.

The certificates will be incorporated with a quick response code, called the Quick Verification (QV) code, an authentication that can be verified online by any approved person and encrypted with security features that can be decrypted only by using the university’s web portal. The certificates will be made from high-grade paper that does not tear. They will also have non-stainable and water resistant features, and hence, there will be no need to laminate them, explained a senior official.

The new certificates will have many features, including a hologram that would be visible in ultraviolet rays. The new certificates will also have the university watermark and a borderline. A varsity official said the QV code made the process of authenticating the certificate and mark sheets simple and quick. This is expected to save time and effort that usually goes into the verification and authentication process. With these security features in place, faking of mark sheets will become a difficult job in the near future.

There have been many allegations of forged mark sheets being used to secure jobs and admissions at various places.

“Technology has made manipulation of certificates very easy. Every month, we receive certificates from various institutions and employers asking us if the certificates are genuine. Many a time they turn out to be fake ones. It is very difficult to make out whether the certificates are fake as everything, including the paper and the logo, are usually done to perfection,” said the university official.

In another development, the varsity authorities are trying to give away five lakh certificates that have been lying for long. Every day, we are clearing around 1,500 certificates, said Dash, adding that the target is to clear the backlogs by the end of this academic year.