In an effort to make passport issuance hassle-free, External Affairs Ministry will hold camps across the country beginning tomorrow so that people residing in far away places can get the document.
"External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has approved a country-wide Passport Seva Camp programme commencing October 18. It is yet another citizen-centric measure taken by the Ministry in extending public services closer home," the Ministry of External Affairs said.
Currently, passport service network comprises 37 passport offices across the country. This network has been vastly expanded with the operationalisation of 77 Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) as extended arms of passport offices.
For Indians living abroad, issuance of passports and other related documents is done by 183 Indian Missions and Posts.
Under the new system, the citizens can fill online the passport application, make payment and take appointment for personal visit to the concerned PSK to give their photographs and biometrics in connection with submission of passport applications.
The modality for acceptance of passport applications at the camps would be same as that in PSKs.
"It is advisable that the applicants carry two photographs with light background to meet any exigency. Passport officials would be deputed at the camps to check the documents and guide the applicants for smooth submission process," the Ministry said.
More information about the camps is available on the Passport Portal www.Passportindia.Gov.In.
In October, the Passport Seva Camps are planned at locations such as Agra, Allahabad, Cuddalore, Daman, Indore, Jamshedpur, Karwar, Karimnagar, Lakshadweep, Siliguri and Warangal.
Based on the public response, the Ministry of External Affairs intends to hold such Camps periodically across the country in coming months.
