Getting/Renewing a passport just became hassle free!

     

The ministry of external affairs has announced two major changes that will fast-track the process of passport applications and make it easy to secure an appointment at the Passport Seva Kendras (PSK). The passport will be granted on the basis of three documents - copies of Aadhar card, Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC) and Pan Card. According to the old system the whole process would have taken a month , with police verification beating up a lot of time. In this the police verification will be conducted after the passport has been Issued. For this there will be no extra charges taken . Aadhar card will be verified online by an official and then the person  can apply for passport. EPIC and Pan Card would be verified later on if required. The passport can be impounded in case of false information given by the applicant.

The idea of upgrade is to liberalise the process without compromising the security, explained Anil Kumar Sobti, director of passport division in the ministry. He also said " There are plenty of inbuilt safeguard facilities in our system which instantly spot fake identities and forgeries. Most importantly our system is linked to the Aadhar database which helps conduct real break-time verification of the application while he/she is still at PSK."  He also said ," We are trying to integrate EPIC and Pan card as well. Additionally the granting officer interviewing the applicant can use his discretion to extend or withhold the facility. Besides option of impounding the passport post issuance is always available and we can exercise it several times in 2015." Hailing the changes as applicant friendly , Pune regional passport officer Atul Gotsurve said, " A smooth rollout of the facility hinges on accurate and complete documentation furnished by the applicant. Adverse police reports can be avoided if applicants themselves play a pro-active role in their verification to ensure that it is complete within a month since the passport is issued ."

This plan would be a great success if both government officials and applicants coordinate well.