Latest news with #PassportSevaKendra
News18
30-06-2025
- News18
Passport Seva 2.0 Explained: What Is An E-Passport, How To Apply, What Are The Benefits?
Last Updated: The Government of India has officially launched the nationwide rollout of e-passports as part of the revamped Passport Seva Programme 2.0 Passport Seva 2.0: The Government of India has officially launched the nationwide rollout of e-passports as part of the revamped Passport Seva Programme (PSP) 2.0. The initiative, announced by External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, aims to enhance passport services with high-end digital infrastructure, improve security, and enable faster immigration clearance. 'We have rolled out PSP V2.0 across the country, leveraging advanced and high-end technologies to deliver citizen-centric services," Dr. Jaishankar said, highlighting the move as a milestone in India's Digital Public Infrastructure journey. What is an E-Passport? An e-passport is an electronic version of the traditional passport, embedded with a secure RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) chip in its cover. This chip securely stores biometric data, including the passport holder's photograph, fingerprints, and other personal information. The cover of the e-passport features a gold-colored symbol at the bottom — a global indicator that it complies with international e-passport standards. How to Apply for an E-Passport Visit the official Passport Seva website. Register as a new user or log in to your existing account. Fill in the e-passport application form. Schedule an appointment at a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office PSK (POPSK). Pay the required fee online. Visit the selected centre on the appointment date for document verification and biometric data capture. Key Benefits of E-Passports The introduction of e-passports is part of India's broader strategy to modernise citizen services, reduce paperwork, and improve efficiency across government functions. While currently available for new applicants, upgrades for existing passport holders may be offered in later phases. First Published:
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.
The Hindu
17-06-2025
- The Hindu
Mobile Passport Seva Van flagged off in Tiruchi
A Mobile Passport Seva Van was flagged off at the Tiruchi Regional Passport Office by K.J. Srinivasa, Joint Secretary (Passport Seva Programme) and Chief Passport Officer, said here recently. The initiative is aimed at taking passport services to the doorstep of citizens. The van would travel to different parts of the districts under the jurisdiction of the Regional Passport Office and process applications online. Twenty appointments were released on Sunday, June 15, and 18 of the applications were processed during a trial run of the service, Sharanappa Talwar, Passport Officer, Tiruchi, said in a press release. Mr. Srinivasa visited the Passport Seva Kendra in Thanjavur and the Post Office Passport Kendra at Sizkazhi and interacted with the staff. He held a meeting with officials at the Regional Passport Office in Tiruchi, the release added.
NDTV
05-06-2025
- NDTV
How To Apply For Passport In India: Steps, Documents And Everything Else To Know
Thinking about finally taking that international trip or studying abroad? The first thing you will require is a valid Indian passport. Thankfully, because of the online portals, applying for one is easier than ever. Gone are the days of endless paperwork and standing in long queues. With an easy online passport system, you can apply for a new passport or renew an existing one from the comfort of your home. Still, if you are new to thing, it could feel a bit daunting. But worry not! Follow these simple steps to understand the process thoroughly, so that you're at ease while it happens. Here's what you need to do to get a passport in India. Here's A Step-By-Step Guide To Applying For A Passport In India Follow these simple steps if you want to apply for a passport in India. 1. Register On The Passport Seva Portal: Visit the Passport Seva Online Portal. Select 'New User Registration' and fill in the required details, including your name, date of birth, and email ID. 2. Fill Out The Form After logging in, select 'Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport' Complete the form with all the relevant information Review before submitting 3. Pay The Application Fee After submitting the form, click on 'Pay and Schedule Appointment' Choose your preferred Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) Pay the application fee using your choice of mode. 4. Schedule An Appointment Select a convenient date and time slot for your appointment at the chosen location. Confirm the appointment and download the application receipt. 5. Visit The PSK/POPSK Arrive at the selected centre on the scheduled date with all required original documents and self-attested photocopies. At the centre, your documents will be verified, biometric data will be collected, and you may be interviewed by a passport officer. 6. Police Verification A police investigation will be conducted depending on the type of application and your current address. Make sure you are available at your residence during this period and provide any additional documents requested by the police. 7. Track Application Status On the Passport Seva Portal, click on 'Track Application Status' and enter your file number and date of birth. Check it regularly until your passport is dispatched. Once processed, your passport will be dispatched to your registered address. What Documents Do You Need For A Passport When applying for a passport, you must provide original documents along with self-attested photocopies. The specific documents may vary based on each person's circumstance, 1. Proof Of Address (any one of them): Aadhar Card Voter ID Electricity, Water, or Telephone Bill Bank Statement Rental Agreement 2. Proof of Date Of Birth (any one of them): Birth Certificate School Leaving Certificate PAN Card Aadhar Card 3. Identity Proof: PAN Card Aadhar Card Voter ID 4. Additional Documents (if applicable): Marriage Certificate (for name change after marriage) For minor applicants, present address proof document in the name of parent(s) can be submitted. Divorce decree, court order (if adopted), or police report (if passport is lost or stolen) Moreover, make sure that all the documents are valid and up to date to avoid delays in processing. How Much Will A Passport Cost In India? On the Passport Seva portal, you find a 'Fee Calculator' that helps you determine the cost of your passport, based on the type. Adults (18 years and above): The fee for a passport for an adult is Rs 1,500 (for 36 page booklet), and Rs 3,500 for a Tatkal (emergency) passport. Adults (18 years and above): The fee for a 60-page booklet for adults is Rs 2,000. The tatkal fee for the same is Rs 4,000 Minor (Below 18): The fee for a 36-page booklet is Rs 1,000. Whereas the tatkal fee for the same is Rs 3,000. How Long Will It Take To Get A Passport In India? The processing time of your passport depends on the type of service you have asked for and whether or not police verification is required: For Normal Passport: With police verification: 25 to 30 working days Without police verification: 7 working days For Reissue (no address change): 7 working days (mostly) Who Is Eligible For An Indian Passport? Any Indian citizen can apply for a passport, if they meet the following criteria: Must be an Indian citizen by birth, descent, registration, or naturalisation Should not be facing any criminal proceedings or have a pending warrant For minors, consent from both parents/legal guardians is required For Tatkal applications, additional verifications may also be needed. So, follow these steps and get your passport hassle-free!
Hindustan Times
29-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
CBI arrests passport assistant, agent for corruption
MUMBAI: The Mumbai unit of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested a passport assistant and a private agent after it found that the duo was allegedly involved in the issuance of seven passports to unknown applicants based on forged documents. Five of them went abroad using the travel documents, raising grave security concerns. All seven are currently absconding, according to CBI sources. Passport assistant Akshay Meena and agent Bhavesh Shah were arrested on Tuesday evening and produced in a special court in Mumbai on Wednesday. The court remanded them to CBI custody till June 2, saying it was 'a matter of serious concern' that five of the applicants had travelled abroad. On June 26-27 last year, the CBI had conducted a joint surprise check along with officers from the Passport Seva Programme at 33 locations in Mumbai and Nashik, including the Passport Seva Kendra under the Regional Passport Office, Lower Parel. In the same month, the CBI registered 12 corruption cases against several passport assistants and agents, based on reports that the officials would conspire with agents to issue passports based on incomplete or falsified documents. During the joint surprise checks, the CBI found that Meena was in regular contact with various private agents to issue passports. The CBI probe revealed that the accused official had allegedly received around ₹1.9 lakh from several agents, including Shah, for helping them in passport-related work during 2023-24. It was also alleged that the accused official shared a part of this with the others. The CBI's analysis of certain WhatApp chats between the arrested duo during June 18-24, 2024, allegedly showed them to be coordinating and facilitating the passport issuance work of the seven persons and discussing issues related to payment for the work. The CBI investigation revealed that all seven had submitted forged Aadhar and PAN cards, bank account statements and birth certificates in the passport office. The CBI said that the arrested official did not conduct due verification of the seven applicants' documents but endorsed them, leading to the issuance of their passports. The agency also said that none of the seven were currently traceable, their mobile numbers were not in service and the police verification reports for four of them were adverse. The CBI told the court that Meena and Shah were interrogated at length about the alleged irregularities but gave evasive answers.
