Date:03/12/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/12/03/stories/2007120360041700.htm

National

“Passport Seva Project” to be launched

Sujay Mehdudia

NEW DELHI: The Union government has decided to launch the “Passport Seva Project” to deliver passport-related services to the citizens in a timely, transparent, more accessible and reliable manner.

The study had been entrusted to the National Institute of Smart Government (NISG), Hyderabad. The task is to undertake a time-bound study on the passport issuance system, including its information technology aspects.

Official sources said the proposal is to have 68 passport facilitation centres where initial scrutiny of the application forms, acceptance of fee, scanning of the documents and taking of photos will take place.

From now onwards, the government staff at the passport facilitation centres will verify the documents and decide on granting of passport. The other activities such as printing and dispatch of passports will also be done there.

Quick verification

Police verification will be expedited through electronic linkage of the centres with the police authorities in State capitals.

Sources said the project would result in the issue of passports within three days. In cases requiring police verification, it would be done within three days after the completion of the verification process.

The average time now taken to issue fresh passports is 45 days and for re-issue is 15 days.Passports that are re-issued or renewed for 10 years will be given within three working days under the Tatkal scheme on payment of an additional fee of Rs.1,500.

A mere change of address will not warrant police verification. Sources said the government had been taking corrective measures to check malpractices and deficiencies in Passport Offices.