The Ministry of External Affairs has taken a significant step towards enhancing the accessibility of passport appointments for the public.
In a move aimed at reducing waiting times and enhancing convenience, selected Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) and Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs) under the jurisdiction of the Regional Passport Office in Pune will remain operational on the upcoming four Saturdays, starting from August 12, 2023.
This initiative enables applicants to secure fresh appointments or reschedule existing ones under both the Normal and Tatkaal categories. The appointment booking process involves filling in personal details on the official website http://passportindia.gov.in or the mPassport Seva mobile app, followed by online payment of the requisite fee. Subsequently, the payment status is confirmed, and the appointment is booked.
For those opting for the Tatkaal Scheme, special guidelines have been issued. It’s emphasized that while Tatkaal is a priority service, it’s not a premium service; it comes with specific eligibility criteria and document prerequisites. Applicants who do not meet the eligibility criteria or lack the necessary documents are encouraged to convert their applications to the Normal scheme and reschedule appointments accordingly.
The Ministry has issued a stern warning against fraudulent websites and mobile apps that deceive individuals by collecting personal information and charging excessive fees for passport services. The public is advised to avoid intermediaries, agents, and third parties to safeguard their personal and confidential data. Instead, the Ministry recommends utilizing the official website or the mPassport Seva mobile app to independently complete the application process.
The Ministry is committed to streamlining and securing the passport application procedure, assuring the public that the steps are straightforward and can be undertaken autonomously. This endeavor reflects the Ministry’s dedication to ensuring a hassle-free and secure passport application process for all applicants.
