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Snap passport service from April

A.S.R.P. MUKESH


Ranchi, Oct. 5: Come 2011, the state capital will become the third Indian city to boast an ambitious project that seeks to streamline the process of distribution of passports plagued by exponential demand and inordinate delay.

The ministry of external affairs, which piloted its Rs 1,000-crore Passport Seva Project in the cities of Bangalore and Chandigarh earlier this year, plans to launch the snap service in Ranchi in April next year.

According to sources at the regional passport office (RPO), the project developed by IT major Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) will ensure delivery of passport within three-four days of an online application. Currently, the minimum period for issuing a general passport is 90 days and for those under the Tatkal scheme is seven to 14 days.

“The online process is smooth, swift and transparent. At present, one can only download a form from the web. But once the new system is in place, one will be able to fill up a form online. The RPO will have everything from biometric devices (for fingerprints, retina scan, et al) to a 24-hour call centre. Also, status updates will be provided through text messages and emails,” said S.K. Sinha, assistant passport officer, Ranchi.

The RPO in Ranchi caters to the entire state of Jharkhand and according to officials, around 250 passports are issued daily. Records show 3,000 applications are currently in waiting.

“The figure is till June, as the waiting list is generally calculated with a backdate of three months. Most cases are delayed due to police verification, as we try and clear forms from our office as soon as possible. We also keep sending reminders to departments concerned,” Sinha said, adding that the project was designed keeping in mind these time-consuming procedures.

“Even under the Tatkal scheme, it takes seven to 14 days. Now, all this is set to change,” he said. An applicant will just have to pay a mandatory visit to the RPO, after filling up the online form, for biometric recognition.

Once through, the Passport Seva Project also promises to put an end to the menace of brokers and unauthorised passport agents. The agents charge thrice the actual fee for a quick job and draw more applicants than laggard passport officials.

Sinha, however, denied departmental inefficiency. “To make our services more efficient, we have recently formed a three-member committee headed by two passport officers and a superintendent who conduct surprise visits on regular basis. Also, we have a dedicated enquiry kiosk. Whatever happens outside the RPO is not our lookout,” he said.

The RPO, currently located in Dhurwa, is also mulling a new address. “On an average, over 200 people come here daily. The numbers soar at times, leading to chaos. Though the new facility will ease pressure and improve our delivery mechanism, we still need a place less congested,” said an official. Three locations have been identified, but a decision is yet to be taken, he added.