Pune, 6th August 2023: The Ministry of External Affairs has launched an innovative initiative aimed at enhancing accessibility to passport appointments. Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) and Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs) located in Pune will extend their operations to Saturdays for the next four weeks, commencing from August 12. During this period, individuals seeking passport services can either schedule new appointments or reschedule existing ones under both the ‘normal’ and ‘tatkaal’ categories.
To initiate the process of securing a fresh appointment, applicants are required to complete the application form on the official website and submit the payment online. After the payment status is confirmed, they can proceed to download the appointment confirmation receipt from the online portal. For those opting for the tatkaal scheme, stringent document prerequisites must be met, contingent on the applicant’s age. This strict adherence to eligibility criteria aims to deter any potential misuse of the scheme.
In the interest of accuracy, applicants are strongly advised to ensure the consistency of personal details such as their name, date of birth, and father’s name across all submitted documents. It is important to note that small cut-out Aadhar cards or smart cards obtained from non-UIDAI entities will not be deemed acceptable. The tatkaal scheme has been designed to address urgent situations, and thus, only eligible applicants should proceed to apply under this specific category.
In instances where an applicant is determined as ineligible on the day of their scheduled appointment, a provision has been made to facilitate the conversion of their application from the tatkaal scheme to the normal category. This adjustment would then enable them to reschedule their appointment accordingly. For comprehensive insights into the intricacies of the tatkaal scheme, as well as an understanding of its prerequisites, applicants are strongly advised to diligently review the information and undertaking provided on the official website.
The Ministry of External Affairs’ decision to extend the operating hours of Pune’s passport offices on Saturdays is anticipated to not only alleviate appointment congestion but also accommodate the needs of individuals requiring expedited passport services. This customer-centric approach reflects the government’s commitment to facilitating streamlined and convenient passport application processes for citizens across the region.
