New Delhi:(Page3 News Network)-The Government had introduced the Tatkaal scheme to issue passport to citizens in an expedited manner (after liberalizing the requirement of documents and within the basic parameters of security consideration). The Scheme was launched on 1 January 2000 to provide a transparent and systematic avenue to applicants for issue of passports in a time bound manner, subject to production of proof of urgency. Under the scheme, passport applications are processed on post-police verification basis (where required). The Scheme was further expanded and liberalized with effect from 23 December 2006. Now, no proof of urgency is required for out of turn fresh/re-issue of passport under Tatkaal Scheme. Similarly, no Tatkaal documentation is required for minor passport, if application falls in no Police Verification category. There was also expansion of the list of the officials authorized to issue Verification Certificate. Also the applicant has been given an option to submit the Tatkaal applications on the basis of three documents out of 16 documents (one of the three documents has to be a photo identity document). The Government has further reduced the delivery period for issuing of passports under Tatkaal Scheme. As on today, fresh Tatkaal passports are issued within 1-7 working days of the date of application and re-issue passport under Tatkaal category within 1-3 working days, subject to completion of all formalities.
In order to further simplify the submission of passport applications, the Passport Seva Project has been successfully implemented under the National e-Governance Plan (NeGP) of the Government of India. Under this Scheme, the applicant applies on-line for submission of passport application at Passport Portal [www.passportindia.gov.in].
The Minister of State in the Ministry Of External Affairs Shri E. Ahamed provided this information in reply to questions in Rajya Sabha today.
