Krishna launches Passport Seva Project

BANGALORE, INDIA: External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna Friday launched the Passport Seva Project which aims for a complete makeover of passport services in the country.

"Today marks a red letter day in the efforts of my ministry to bring about quantum improvement in quality of passport services," Krishna said.

The project had been envisioned as a way to streamline the process of distribution of passports that has been plagued by exponential demand far outstripping the manpower at passport offices.

Krishna unveiled four brass plaques for the four Passport Seva Kendras (PSK) opened in Karnataka. Chief Minister B.S. Yedyurappa was also present at the function held at the new multi-storeyed regional passport office here.

Krishna said the resulting opportunity from economic liberalization and proportion of youth in the country has pushed demand of passports to unprecedented levels. Due to this growth in demand, citizens faced several delays and difficulties.

"It became clear that mere growth in capacity will not suffice," he said.

After these four PSKs in Karnataka three more will be opened in Punjab next month.

Once the pilot project of three-months is complete, 77 more PSKs will be opened in a phased manner.

The contract for carrying out the Rs 1,000 crore e-passport project was given to TCS in October 2008. However, the project completion had got delayed, apparently due to some technical glitches.