In the upcoming second phase of the Passport Seva Programmed, new and upgraded e-passports will be launched in India on the occasion of Passport Seva Divas as told by External Affairs Minister S Jaishanka.
According to the reports Jaishankar has asked for providing passports in a "timely, reliable, accessible, transparent and efficient manner" and called the passport-issuing authorities in India and abroad to join him on this journey.
Jaishankar reportedly said, "We will soon be embarking on Passport Seva Programme (PSP) Version 2.0, including new and upgraded e-passports."
He further stated, "In line with the Prime Minister's vision of enhancing the 'Ease of Living' for citizens, these initiatives will usher in a new paradigm of 'EASE": E: Enhanced passport services to citizens, using a digital eco-system A: Artificial Intelligence-powered service delivery S: Smoother overseas travel using chip-enabled e-passports E: Enhanced data security."
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Reportedly, Jaishankar in his message also said, "I would like to call on all our passport issuing authorities in India and abroad to join me in renewing our pledge to provide passport and related services to citizens in a timely, reliable, accessible, transparent and efficient manner."
Ministry of External Affairs tweeted saying, "Here is a message from EAM @DrSJaishankar, as we observe the Passport Seva Divas today. #TeamMEA reaffirms its commitment to provide passport and related services to citizens in a timely, reliable, accessible, transparent and efficient manner."
According to the reports, Jaishankar said that the process of felicitating all passport-issuing authorities in India and abroad and their colleagues from the Central Passport Organization on the occasion of the Passport Seva Divas 2023 was his pleasure. He mentioned that this day is a chance to evaluate the progress that has been made and reaffirm India's determination to strive for the highest standards in the provision of passport services.
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According to EAM Jaishankar, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) increased the number of daily appointments and organized weekend special drives in response to the increased demand for passport-related services following the COVID-19 pandemic. He mentioned that in 2022, the ministry processed a record 13.32 million passports and other services, up 63% from 2021.
Jaishankar stated in his message that the Passport Seva Programme (PSP) has significantly contributed to the Indian government's goal of a "Digital India." He talked about his trips to various states' Passport Seva Kendras.
Jaishankar mentioned that certain visits were made by other ministers and senior officials of MEA as well and said, "These visits have enabled us to build a congruence between the levels of policy and operational governance. There will be no slowing down of such efforts in future as well."
He reportedly added, "PSP has significantly contributed towards the Government's goal of a Digital India', with milestones such as mPassport Seva Mobile App, mPassport Police App, integration of PSP with DigiLocker, and the 'apply from anywhere' scheme."
He further reportedly added, "While in 2014, there were 77 Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) in the country, this number has increased 7-fold and stands at 523 today. In the context of POPSKS, I would like to acknowledge the role of the Department of Posts and state police authorities as esteemed partners."
