On the 12th Passport Seva Divas, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar announced that the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has provided 1.65 crore passport-related services to Indian citizens in 2023, with over 14 lakh visa applications submitted monthly.
Milestone Achievements and Growth in 2023
Addressing the passport authorities in India and abroad, Jaishankar highlighted the MEA’s collaboration with the Central Passport Organisation, emphasizing their dedication to delivering timely, reliable, accessible, transparent, and efficient passport services.
Significant Annual Growth
The year 2023 saw a commendable 15% annual growth in passport and related services. Jaishankar expressed his satisfaction with the substantial increase in the monthly submission of applications, which surpassed the 14 lakh mark.
Leveraging Technology for Enhanced Citizen Experience
Jaishankar underscored the ministry’s commitment to enhancing the citizen experience by integrating the latest technologies and maintaining a dynamic, motivated workforce.
Expansion of Passport Seva Kendras
To improve accessibility, the ministry has operationalized 440 Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs), bringing the total to 533 Passport Processing Kendras and 37 Regional Passport Offices (RPOs) across India. Additionally, 187 Missions/Posts abroad have successfully integrated the passport issuance systems.
Collaboration with States/UTs Police
The ministry is working with States and Union Territories to expedite police verification processes, further streamlining passport delivery. The mPassport Police App has been implemented in 25 states and UTs, covering 9,000 police stations. The Passport Seva System is now integrated with DigiLocker for a paperless documentation process.
Commitment to Service and Efficiency
Jaishankar reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring passports serve as crucial travel documents, facilitating international trade, investment, tourism, global mobility, education, skills development, diplomatic relations, security, and crisis management. He highlighted the improved recognition and appreciation of the passport delivery program both domestically and internationally.
Congratulatory Message and Future Aspirations
Jaishankar congratulated Team MEA and Team CPO for their efforts and expressed confidence in their ability to meet citizens’ expectations. He wished success to all stakeholders involved in the Passport Seva Project and extended his greetings on Passport Seva Divas.
Conclusion
As the MEA continues to innovate and improve its services, the ministry’s efforts ensure that passports remain pivotal in enhancing India’s global interactions and development.
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