In a significant update marking the 12th Passport Seva Divas, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar celebrated the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) achievement in delivering 1.65 crore passport-related services to Indian citizens in 2023. This marked a notable growth of nearly 15% compared to previous years, showcasing the increasing demand for passport services among the populace.
Jaishankar commended the collaborative efforts of the MEA and the Central Passport Organisation (CPO) in enhancing service accessibility and efficiency. He emphasized their commitment to providing timely, transparent, and reliable passport services through innovations and leveraging cutting-edge technologies.
On the occasion of the 12th Passport Seva Divas, extend my greetings to all Passport Authorities in India and abroad. Commend their efforts in furthering our mission of a citizen centric foreign policy. #TeamMEA reaffirms its commitment to make our passport services more… pic.twitter.com/5QFUZH0JcR
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) June 24, 2024
Infrastructure Expansion and Technological Integration
Highlighting the Ministry’s efforts to expand its reach, Jaishankar announced the operationalization of 440 Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs) across the country, in addition to the existing 93 Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs). This initiative aims to bring passport services closer to citizens’ doorsteps, enhancing accessibility and convenience.
Moreover, the integration of passport issuance systems in 187 Missions/Posts abroad underscores India’s commitment to providing seamless services to its citizens globally. Jaishankar emphasized the Ministry’s continuous collaboration with state and union territory police forces to streamline the passport verification process, ensuring faster delivery of passports.
Jaishankar highlighted the adoption of advanced technologies such as the mPassport Police App and integration with the DigiLocker system. These initiatives aim to simplify documentation processes and reduce paperwork, enhancing the overall citizen experience.
The mPassport Police App has been rolled out across 25 states and UTs, covering 9000 police stations, facilitating smoother police verifications.
Impact of Passport Services on Development and Diplomacy
Recognizing the broader impact of passports beyond travel, Jaishankar emphasized their role in facilitating international trade, boosting tourism, and enhancing global mobility. He underscored passports’ significance in education, skills development, diplomatic relations, and crisis management, highlighting their pivotal role in ensuring legal identity and security.
Concluding his address, Jaishankar expressed gratitude to the teams at MEA and CPO for their dedication and success in transforming passport services into a model of efficient public service delivery. He expressed confidence in their continued ability to meet citizens’ expectations and wished success to all stakeholders involved in the project.
The 12th Passport Seva Divas celebration not only commemorated achievements but also outlined a roadmap for future enhancements in passport services, promising a more streamlined and citizen-centric approach.
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