This step aims to enhance security around sensitive and strategic government installations Image credit: Getty Images
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued a revised notification, declaring the headquarters of the Security Printing and Minting Corporation of India Ltd (SPMCIL) in New Delhi a “prohibited place” under the provisions of the Official Secrets Act (OSA), 1923, which prohibits unauthorized entry and access to secret government printing and production of precious metal coins.
This step aims to enhance security around sensitive and strategic government installations, given that SPMCIL is engaged in manufacturing and producing currencies, banknotes, security papers, non-judicial stamp papers, postage stamps and stationery.
Besides, it also prints travel documents such as passport and visa, security certificates, cheques, bonds, notes, special certificates with security features, security inks, circulating and commemorative coins, medals, gold and silver clearing, and precious metal screening, according to ministry officials.
The ministry’s Internal Security Division-I issued the notification on February 18, exercising powers conferred under sub-clause (c) of clause (8) of section 2 of the Official Secrets Act, 1923, bringing SPMCIL – which has its headquarters at Tower G, World Trade Center at Noroji Nagar in Delhi – under the OSA.
The latest order replaces the previous notification dated February 15, 2022, except for the actions already taken under the previous notification, officials explained.
At that time, SPMCIL’s office was located at No. 16y The floor of Jawahar Bhavan, Janpath, in New Delhi, which has been declared off limits “to prevent entry of unauthorized persons”.
The government took the decision on the grounds that the information or any damage related to the buildings might be useful to the enemy.
SPMCIL entity details
SPMCIL, a wholly owned Government ‘A’ Miniratna Class I company, was incorporated on 13 January 2006.
The management, control, maintenance and operations of the erstwhile nine production units of the Currency and Mints Division, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, have been transferred to SPMCIL with effect from February 10, 2006. The nine production units comprise four central government mints, two currency note printing presses, two security printing presses and a security paper mill.
The Ministry of Finance exercises administrative control over SPMCIL through the Board of Directors.
Under the OSA, areas designated as prohibited places are subject to enhanced security restrictions. Unauthorized access, photography, drawing or collection of information relating to these places can attract severe penal provisions under the law.
Posted on February 20, 2026
