Latest news with #13thPassportSevaDivas
The Hindu
30-06-2025
- The Hindu
Passport Seva 2.0: How to apply for e-Passport in India
On the occasion of the 13th Passport Seva Divas, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced major advancements in the Passport Seva Programme (PSP) and the nationwide rollout of e-Passports. Passport Seva Programme Version 2.0 has already been rolled out across the country, bringing in high-end, emerging technologies to improve efficiency and transparency. The pilot testing of the Global PSP V2.0 is also underway and will be implemented in phases in all Indian embassies and consulates. What is the new e-Passport initiative? The e-Passport initiative is a major milestone, easing travel and expediting immigration clearances with its contactless chip-based data reading. The new initiative is aimed at creating a digital platform that would be 'transparent, more accessible and reliable' and that it would be backed by a trained workforce. Under this initiative, the new and renewed passports will be fitted with a microchip that will hold all biometric information regarding the applicants. How to apply for an e-passport? An individual can apply for an e-passport through the official Passport Seva website and follow the steps mentioned below: 1. Go to the official Passport Seva website. 2. New users are required to create an account, while existing users may log in with their credentials. 3. Fill in the e-passport application by providing the required details. 4. Choose a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) according to your convenience. 5. Pay the e-passport fee. 6. Take an appointment by selecting a date and time slot for the chosen service centre. 7. Visit the PSK or POPSK at the scheduled time for biometric capture and document verification.
The Hindu
28-06-2025
- The Hindu
Coimbatore Passport officials recognised for service excellence
Two staff members under the Regional Passport Office, Coimbatore, were honoured at the 13th Passport Seva Divas held on June 24, 2025 in New Delhi. The awards were presented by Pabitra Margherita, Minister of State for External Affairs, according to an official release. T.R. Shankar, Assistant Superintendent, received the 'Best Granting Officer' award for his performance and efficiency in passport processing during 2024–25. T. Malarvizhi, citizen service executive from Tata Consultancy Services at Passport Seva Kendra, Coimbatore, was presented the 'Best Citizen Service Executive' award for her professionalism and support in assisting applicants.
Indian Express
27-06-2025
- Indian Express
e-Passport in India 2025: Know the launch date, how to apply, eligibility, fees, registration process & benefits
e-Passport in India 2025: At the 13th Passport Seva Divas, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar revealed significant developments in the Passport Seva Programme (PSP) and affirmed the national adoption of e-Passports. In a post on X, Jaishankar praised passport officials both in India and overseas, noting their contribution in what he described as a 'remarkable transformation' in service delivery over the previous decade. The e-passport initiative, part of the Passport Seva Programme (PSP) Version 2.0, has started as part of a pilot program in India. Regional Passport Offices in Nagpur, Bhubaneswar, Jammu, Goa, Shimla, Raipur, Amritsar, Jaipur, Chennai, Hyderabad, Surat, and Ranchi are now equipped to issue e-passports, with plans for further expansion. The Minister announced the nationwide commencement of the Passport Seva Programme Version 2.0, which incorporates advanced and emerging technologies that will enhance system efficiency and transparency. Greetings to all Passport Authorities in India and abroad on the occasion of the 13th Passport Seva Divas. Your commendable efforts, guided by 'Seva, Sushasan and Garib Kalyan', are instrumental to ensuring ease of travel, deepening access to global workplace and empowering the… — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) June 24, 2025 An Indian ePassport will be a paper and electronic passport which includes a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Chip and an antenna implanted in the passport's inlay and holds the passport holder's personal and biometric information. It will be immediately recognised as a little supplementary gold colour insignia printed beneath the passport's front cover. The key benefit of the ePassport is the increased ability to safeguard the integrity of the passport holder's data. It will have the data printed on the booklet as well as digitally signed in the electronic chip, which can be securely authenticated by immigration officials, protecting the passport from forgery and potential fraudulent activities such as fake passports, while confirming its authenticity at border controls. The cost of an e-passport is expected to be the same as an ordinary Indian passport. Source: Clear Tax To get an e-passport, one can go to the official Passport Seva platform and follow the steps mentioned below: Step 1: Go to the official Passport Seva website: Step 2: New users have to sign up for an account, and existing users can log in using their credentials. Step 3: Fill in the e-passport application by providing accurate personal and travel information. Step 4: Now choose the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) as per your convenience. Step 5: Payment of the applicable charges, which is the e-passport fee, has to be made through available payment options. Step 6: Schedule an appointment by selecting a date and time slot for the selected service centre. Step 7: Visit the PSK or POPSK at the scheduled time for biometric capture and document verification. No, all passports issued by the Government of India will stay valid till the expiry date. Citizens who apply at a Passport Office that is technically capable of issuing ePassports will receive their ePassport. The phased rollout of the ePassport to all Passport Offices across India may take a few months.
News18
26-06-2025
- Politics
- News18
How To Apply For India's New E-Passport And What Changes With Passport Seva 2.0
Last Updated: EAM Jaishankar's Passport Seva 2.0 overhaul promises faster police checks, expanded passport access, and a more transparent, tech-enabled system. Marking the 13th Passport Seva Divas, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday unveiled sweeping reforms aimed at modernising and streamlining India's passport services. From chip-enabled e-passports and faster police verifications to passport vans for remote areas and a global tech upgrade in embassies, the shift signals what Jaishankar called a 'remarkable transformation" in service delivery over the past decade. The overhaul comes under the expanded Passport Seva Programme (PSP) Version 2.0, which has now been rolled out nationwide, and aligns with the government's larger push for citizen-centric governance and a more connected global India. What's New In India's Passport Services? In a detailed post on X, Jaishankar praised passport authorities both in India and overseas for enabling this 'dramatic shift" in delivery standards. He also laid out a vision tied to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's development goals: 'Seva, Sushasan and Garib Kalyan are three key pillars of governance that would lead us to a Viksit Bharat. They are all reflected with prominence in our Passport Seva Programme," he wrote. The EAM confirmed that Passport Seva Programme Version 2.0 has now been rolled out across India, integrating advanced and emerging technologies to improve transparency, speed, and user experience. PSP Version 2.0 launched nationwide, leveraging emerging tech to boost transparency, security and convenience. Global PSP V2.0 has entered the pilot phase in Indian embassies and consulates, with phased rollouts planned worldwide. e-Passports introduced countrywide, using embedded chips and contactless technology to improve immigration and travel security. mPassport Police App has reduced police verification time to 5–7 days in 25 States and Union Territories. Ten new Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs) opened in the past year, including the 450th POPSK in Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, in April 2025. Mobile passport vans deployed to provide services in remote and underserved areas. Jaishankar underscored the tangible results of these efforts. Passport issuance in India has jumped from 91 lakh in 2014 to 1.46 crore in 2024, pointing to greater reach and operational efficiency. What Are E-Passports And Why Do They Matter? With the nationwide launch of e-passports, India joins a growing list of countries adopting biometric and chip-based passports to enhance both convenience and security. Features of India's New e-Passports: Secure Embedded Chip: Integrated in the front cover to store encrypted personal and biometric data. Biometric Storage: Includes fingerprints, iris scan, and facial photograph. Contactless Technology: The chip can be read without physical contact, speeding up airport checks. ICAO-Compliant: Fully aligned with international standards laid out by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). Enhanced Security: Greatly reduces the chances of data forgery or duplication. The new tech also simplifies immigration procedures and boosts India's credibility on the global mobility map. Jaishankar called the rollout a 'significant achievement" that will empower workers and professionals to access global opportunities more easily. How To Apply For An E-Passport Online In India Applying for an e-passport is similar to the current process through the Passport Seva system. Here's a step-by-step guide: Visit the Passport Seva Portal: Go to the official website managed by the Government of India. Register or log in: New users must create an account. Existing users can log in using their credentials. Fill out the application form: Select the e-passport option and enter your personal and travel information. Choose Service Centre: Pick your nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK). Pay the application fee: Make the payment online through the available modes. Book an appointment: Schedule a convenient slot for biometric and document verification. Visit the centre: Attend your appointment on time with all required documents. Broader Impact: Toward A Viksit Bharat top videos View all From digitising verifications to decentralising access through POPSKs and mobile vans, the passport reforms reflect the government's larger goal of creating an inclusive and digitally empowered India. 'We have empowered workers and professionals to access global opportunities, strengthening India's global workforce footprint," Jaishankar said. He concluded his post with a note of appreciation for all personnel involved: 'I take this opportunity to congratulate everyone at Passport Offices, PSKs, POPSKs and all partners… for their dedication." News18 Tech delivers the latest technology updates, including phone launches, gadget reviews, AI advancements, and more. Stay informed with breaking tech news, expert insights, and trends from India and around the world. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : e-passport eam jaishankar Indian passports Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 26, 2025, 08:35 IST News tech How To Apply For India's New E-Passport And What Changes With Passport Seva 2.0
Hans India
26-06-2025
- Hans India
AP police bag award for passport verifications
Guntur: The Andhra Pradesh State Police has been conferred with the prestigious 'Certificate of Recognition' by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for its exemplary performancein passport application verification during the Financial Year 2024–25. The award was presented during the 13th Passport Seva Divas celebrations at the Passport Officers' Conference – 2025, held from June 23 to 25 in New Delhi, to mark the enactment of the Passport Act, 1967. Recognising the critical role of police verification in passport issu-ance, the MEA adjudged AP police as one of the best performing agencies across the coun-try, acknowledging its efficient and timely completion of 6.25 lakh Police Verification Re-ports within a record three-day window.
