Centre approves new passport issuance system

The Union Cabinet today gave its approval for a comprehensive reform of the passport issuance system under a project titled, Passport Seva Project.

New Delhi, Sept 6 : The Union Cabinet today gave its approval for a comprehensive reform of the passport issuance system under a project titled, Passport Seva Project.

As per the new reforms, front-end activities of passport issuance would be outsourced through an open bidding process to service providers.

Dispatch of passports to India post would also be outsourced.

There would be upgradation of information Technology, with uniform procedures, in use in passport issuance system, and setting up of a Central Printing unit and online links with concerned police authorities.

A project management unit for implementation of the project will also be set up and a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) would be established at "an appropriate time" for the management, supervision and monitoring of the project.

The Passport Seva project will result in delivery of passport-related services to the citizens in a timely, transparent, more accessible and reliable manner and in a comfortable environment through streamlined processes and a committed, trained and motivated workforce, the Government claimed.

Ministry of External Affairs will implement the project over a period of 19 months.

ANI