Automation in processes to make Passport applications painless
Moneylife Digital Team 12 December 2014
Moneylife Foundation's Seminar on Passport Applications dealt with the latest efforts by the government and its functionaries in making passport applications and working abroad a much smoother and simpler process
 
Moneylife Foundation today organised a seminar on getting one of the most important documentations for Indian Citizens, especially ones travelling abroad, which is the passport. Moneylife Foundation proudly hosted Tanmoy Chakrabarty, the VP and Head of Government Industry Solutions, at Tata Consultancy Services. 
 
The event also had Dr Swati Kulkarni, Regional Passport Officer of Mumbai, and Mr TD Sharma, Regional Passport Officer of Thane, in the panel.
 
Anybody who has dealt with the Passport Office knows of the long struggle to get a passport. Over the years, when it would take months to now, when it is generally time-bound and a lot more organised, the latest automation drive promises to make applying for passports even smoother. 
 
The event was kicked off by Ms Sucheta Dalal, who introduced the three panelists. Mr Tanmoy Chakrabarty took the stage and explained the innovations coming the way of citizens looking to apply for passports. Under Mr Chakrabarty's leadership TCS is hoping to revolutionise the way India's millions will apply for passports in the future. These changes are even more important in the context of the global world we live in, where many of us go abroad to work.
 
Mr Chakrabarty stated that, "Instead of long lines from 3 in the morning, we have been able to give appointments to people to come at a specific time, reducing queues." On the issue of the new e-Migrate system, "For example, in Libya 2 years ago, we had a large Indian workforce. Employers often impound the laborers' passports to keep them in check. So when the coup happened, MEA could not identify Indians in Libya. This system will help in such a situation," he said.
 
Dr. Kulkarni spoke about how the government has taken steps ranging from training staff, adding infrastructure to including new thinking from the ITeS sector, to make the MEA functions more citizen centre. She said that, "From painless passports we hope to make it passports with pleasure and as stressed by the minister, we want to take the PSKs to each district.
 

Mr Sharma spoke about the relatively new Thane office which was set up in 2001 and its fast evolution into a hub for 9 districts. He said that the number of applications rose by 63% since 2008. He also said that, "we are trying to bring Maharashtra's police departments to the centralized DPHQ model, which will help bring down the police verification time considerably.
 
The Panel then opened up for questions from the audience. An eager audience posed questions relating to documentation, eligibility, change of address and working abroad.
 
In India, three kinds of passports are issued to its citizens - Personal or Regular Passport, Official Passport and the Diplomatic Passport. The Consular, Passport & Visa Division of the Ministry of External Affairs is responsible for issuance of Indian passports on demand to all eligible Indian citizens. The Passport Office website www.passportindia.gov.in gives all the information about obtaining passport in the form of Frequently Asked Questions. It also provides for online as well as off-line submission of application forms. 
 

 

Comments
Vijay Sagar
6 years ago
How to deal with the maintenance charges of an unsold flat? Now I have bought the flat from builder & the Dues of the Builder is now shown as my dues by the Society & even interest is charged on the same, Builder is not even paying the maintenance for the other unsold flats. how do I as a new owner should deal with it?
shrikant s
1 decade ago
I had applied for reissue of passport through Worli passport office and received my passport in 2012. I had submitted all documents with reissue application which showed that my passport was for ECNR category. However they have issued an ECR stamped passport and now they ask me to reapply - again fleece me of Rs. 1100/- but not rectifying their mistake.
does this show that the passport application process is painless? and they are willing to take credit for serving more numbers, but quality is tossed out of the door.
ONLOOKER
1 decade ago
I have applied for a passport through online. I have selected the PSK near to my permanent address. My application was rejected saying that I should have applied to the PSK near to my place of work. They are not refunding the fees of ₹2000 paid by me. I have taken up the issue with the Ministry also but no response. Kindly advise what can I do to get back my money. Making online systems should be for the benefit of the citizens and not to penalise them for smaller mistakes.
Ralph Rau
1 decade ago
E-Migrate = E-Control.

Could this lead to E-Taxation of Indian migrant workers ?
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