Security Hologram-embedded adhesive label (SHEAL) for certificate attestation for overseas employment and education @Kerala, India 

Kerala has introduced a new security hologram-embedded adhesive label for certificate attestation by NoRKA-Roots, under the Government of Kerala to curb the issue of fake certificate attestations related to overseas employment and education. This initiative, a first for a state government institution in India, is a response to the widespread counterfeiting of NoRKA-Roots’ seal used for attesting certificates of candidates from Kerala. NoRKA-Roots, the field agency of the Department of Non-Resident Keralites Affairs (NoRKA), acts as an intermediary between Non-Resident Keralites (NoRKs) and the Government of Kerala. NoRKA-Roots, is the only institution in Kerala authorized by both Central and State governments to certify educational certificates, related to overseas employment and education. The new security hologram-embedded adhesive label incorporates advanced anti-counterfeiting features, including a QR code, which makes it difficult to replicate. This measure was introduced following reports from various agencies about fake certificates with counterfeit NoRKA-Roots attestation. The new system eliminates the use of traditional ink seals for attestation, replacing them with non-removable stickers that include various print and design-based security features. These stickers encrypt and record attestation information, allowing embassies and other agencies to quickly verify the authenticity of certificates.  

This paper reports the details regarding the design, development, and implementation in Kerala, India.