The Foreign Minister of India, Sushma Swaraj made two major announcements on the occasion of Sixth Passport Seva Divas. The first one is about a new scheme by which an applicant can apply for a passport from anywhere in India. The second one is the launch of mPassportSeva Mobile App that makes things easier for getting a Passport in India.
Apply Passport Anywhere in India
Under this scheme, you can now choose any Regional Passport Office and the desired Passport Seva Kendra/Post Office PSK for submitting the application. This is irrespective of whether your present residential address specified in the application lies within the jurisdiction of the chosen RPO or not. Police Verification will be done at the address submitted in the application form. The RPO you opted in the application form will print and dispatch the passport.
This means, if you are residing at a temporary address, you can apply at the PSK/POPSK under the RPO there. The Police will use the address given in the application form for verification. The RPO near your temporary address will print the Passport and dispatch it to the address specified in the application.
Apply Passport Using mPassport Seva App
The new mPassport Seva app was developed as a part of the Passport Seva Project by the Consular, Passport & Visa division of the Ministry of External Affairs. This Passport Seva Project is in a public-private partnership with Tata Consultancy Services(TCS). The app allows smartphone users to apply, pay and schedule appointments for passport services. You no longer need a PC or laptop and printer to request for the passport services. Simply download the app to your android or iOS smartphones to avail the facilities listed below.
Features of mPassport Seva App
- New user registration and existing user login.
- Registered users can
- Apply for Passport and Police Clearance Certificate.
- View Saved/Submitted Applications.
- Pay and Schedule for Passport Services.
- Status tracker for application and Right To Information(RTI).
- Appointment Availability of Passport Offices.
- Document Adivsor for various procedures.
- Fee Calculator for Passport Services.
- Locate PSK/Passport Cell/Police station/Mission/PO
- Download links for Annexures or Affidavits.
- Frequently Asked Questions and Contact Info.
Conclusion
In addition to the two announcements, the MEA also plans to open more Post Office PSKs throughout the country. Passport Seva Puraskars and awards were given to the best performing Passport offices and Police departments. The Foreign Minister also awarded Police departments of Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra for implementing the mPassport Police app.