On the occasion of the 13th Passport Seva Divas, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar announced the full-scale rollout of Passport Seva Programme (PSP) Version 2.0 and the nationwide implementation of e-Passports, marking a transformative leap in India’s passport services.
Key Highlights of Passport Seva Programme 2.0
- Nationwide Deployment: PSP 2.0 is now operational across India, integrating advanced technologies to streamline passport issuance and enhance user experience.
- Global Expansion: Pilot testing of Global PSP V2.0 has begun in Indian embassies and consulates, with phased rollouts planned worldwide.
- Faster Police Verification: The mPassport Police App has reduced verification time to 5–7 days in 25 states and union territories.
- Increased Accessibility: Ten new Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs) were launched in the past year, including the 450th POPSK in Kushinagar. Mobile van services are also reaching remote areas.
e-Passports: A New Era of Secure Travel
The newly introduced e-Passports come embedded with contactless chips, enabling faster immigration processing and enhanced security. These passports are designed to simplify international travel and improve the interface with immigration authorities.
A Decade of Growth and Innovation
Dr. Jaishankar highlighted that passport issuance in India has surged from 91 lakh in 2014 to 1.46 crore in 2024, reflecting the government’s commitment to citizen-centric governance and digital transformation. He praised the efforts of passport authorities and partners for their role in this “dramatic shift” in service delivery.
Empowering Global Mobility
The minister emphasized that these initiatives are not just administrative upgrades but tools to empower Indian professionals and workers to access global opportunities. “Seva, Sushasan and Garib Kalyan” remain the guiding pillars of this transformation.
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