The Ministry of External Affairs in India, under the leadership of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, is taking steps to improve the passport delivery ecosystem in the country. On the occasion of Passport Seva Divas, Jaishankar expressed the ministry’s commitment to reducing the time taken for police verification of passport applicants. The ministry has collaborated with police forces in states and Union territories to streamline the verification process.
To enhance passport services, the ministry has launched 440 Post Office Passport Seva Kendras, in addition to the existing Passport Seva Kendras, passport processing centers, and regional passport offices across the nation. Integration of passport issuance systems in 187 Indian missions abroad is another initiative by the ministry.
The introduction of the ‘mPassport Police App’ has significantly reduced the average time for police verification in states where it has been implemented. With the app, the average time for police verification has decreased to less than five days, a remarkable improvement from the nationwide average of 14 days reported in December 2023.
Jaishankar emphasized the importance of timely passport issuance, stating that normal passport processing takes seven to 10 days, while Tatkaal passport issuance is expedited within one to three days. He highlighted that efficient police verification plays a crucial role in the prompt delivery of passports.
In line with the government’s focus on facilitating trade, investment, tourism, and global mobility, passports serve as a vital tool for national development. The ministry, along with the Central Passport Organisation, is committed to providing reliable, transparent, and efficient passport services to citizens. The integration of the Passport Seva System with the DigiLocker system is a step towards a paperless documentation process, enhancing convenience for applicants.
With the continuous efforts of the Ministry of External Affairs, the passport delivery ecosystem in India is undergoing significant improvements, ensuring accessibility and efficiency for passport applicants.
