ABSTRACT
Fingerprint recognition is a safe and convenient technology, increasingly being used for biometric identification of the intended beneficiaries of welfare programmes. Kerala's pubic distribution system, with Ration Shops being its point of contact, also uses fingerprint scanners for identification of beneficiaries. The outbreak of COVID-19 has adversely affected the safety of fingerprint authentication. Touching the sensors by multiple persons can cause the transmission of viruses. Studies have shown that COVID-19 can survive on common surfaces like wood, plastic, metal, and glass for a minimum of 5 days. Despite all the standard operating procedures, it is a common sight to see people crowding at public spaces like Ration Shops that has increased the risk of transmission of the virus. In this context, the present work aims to create a safe and healthy environment for the consumers of Kerala's ration shops, through a UVC based self-sanitizing system for fingerprint scanners. © 2022 IEEE.