Pune, August 20, 2023: Dr. Arjun Deore, an IFS officer and the Regional Passport Officer (RPO) of Pune, has emphasized the critical importance of safeguarding the integrity of the Indian passport, a property of the Government of India. He underlined that this official document, adorned with national symbols and crucial security features, should never be marred by stickers.
In a recent statement, Dr. Deore stated, “The passport’s cover proudly displays National Symbols & security features and must not be covered with stickers.”
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has expressed deep concern about the increasing misuse of Indian passports for advertising purposes. Reports indicate that travel agents have been defacing passport covers by affixing stickers promoting various companies or agencies. This practice not only undermines the sanctity of the passport but also goes against the guidelines established by the Union government for proper passport maintenance.
Dr. Deore, as the head of the regional passport office in Pune, emphasized the paramount importance of the national emblem, which features the iconic Ashoka Chakra, on the passport. He pointed out that this emblem plays a pivotal role in enhancing security. “The application of adhesives or promotional stickers by agents can obscure the national emblem and tamper with these crucial security features, potentially leading to complications for Indian travelers at immigration checkpoints,” he cautioned.
In response, the MEA has issued a comprehensive advisory through its network of regional passport offices across India, as well as through Indian embassies and consulates worldwide. This coordinated effort aims to disseminate the message about the necessity of preventing passport misuse both domestically and internationally.
Dr. Deore stressed the significance of the national emblem, stating, “The emblem is a representation of our nation’s sovereignty and integrity. Any alteration is considered a violation.”
The advisory comes in light of several reported instances of Indian passports bearing promotional stickers, as highlighted by officials.
Preserving the integrity of the Indian passport, with its national symbols and security features, is not only a matter of national pride but also a responsibility towards upholding the nation’s identity on a global platform.
