Enhanced Passport Services & Upgraded e-Passports on the Horizon for India

New Delhi: India is set to launch the second phase of the Passport Seva Programme (PSP-Version 2.0), which will introduce new and upgraded e-passports, according to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. The announcement was made during the Passport Seva Divas event, where Jaishankar urged passport-issuing authorities to renew their commitment to providing efficient, transparent, and accessible passport services. The upcoming Passport Seva Programme (PSP) Version 2.0 aims to enhance citizen services through a digital ecosystem, artificial intelligence-powered service delivery, chip-enabled e-passports for smoother overseas travel, and improved data security.

The Ministry of External Affairs expressed its commitment to delivering timely and reliable passport services by sharing Jaishankar’s message on Twitter. The minister commended passport-issuing authorities in India and abroad, as well as colleagues from the Central Passport Organization, on their efforts during Passport Seva Divas 2023. He highlighted the achievements thus far and emphasized India’s determination to provide high-quality passport services.

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. pic.twitter.com/k1gmaTPLKq

— Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) June 24, 2023

In response to the surge in demand caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of External Affairs increased the number of daily appointments and organized special drives over weekends to address passport-related service requirements. In 2022, the ministry processed a record-breaking 13.32 million passports and miscellaneous services, representing a 63% increase from the previous year.

Jaishankar emphasized the significant role played by the Passport Seva Programme (PSP) in realizing the Indian government’s vision of a Digital India. He mentioned his visits to Passport Seva Kendras in various states, which have fostered alignment between policy and operational governance. He expressed the ministry’s commitment to continue such efforts and highlighted the achievements, including the mPassport Seva Mobile App, mPassport Police App, integration of PSP with DigiLocker, and the ‘apply from anywhere’ scheme.

The number of Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) in India has grown seven-fold from 77 in 2014 to 523 today. Jaishankar acknowledged the Department of Posts and state police authorities as esteemed partners in the establishment of Passport Offices and Seva Kendras throughout the country. These developments have paved the way for streamlined passport services and enhanced accessibility for Indian citizens.