In a bid to improve passport appointment availability and streamline the passport application process, the Central Government has announced a special passport drive for the months of July and August in Pune. This initiative, led by the Ministry of External Affairs, aims to provide enhanced convenience and accessibility for residents of Pune seeking passport services.
As part of this special drive, the Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) and selected Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs) under the jurisdiction of the Regional Passport Office in Pune will extend their working hours to include Saturdays. This means that on July 15, July 22, and August 5, 2023, these PSKs and POPSKs will be open to the public, providing additional opportunities for individuals to book fresh passport appointments or reschedule their existing appointments.
To secure a fresh appointment, applicants are required to complete the passport application process online through the official website: https://www.passportindia.gov.in/. The payment for the application can be made electronically. After completing the application and payment, applicants must log in to the same website to verify the payment status and book their appointment. Once the appointment is confirmed, applicants can download the appointment receipt from the portal.
For individuals applying under the Tatkaal Scheme, specific guidelines apply. Applicants who are 18 years and above must submit any three documents listed at https://www.passportindia.gov.in/AppOnlineProject/online/tatkaalPassports, along with address and non-ECR (Emigration Check Not Required) proofs, as applicable. Applicants below the age of 18 years are required to submit any two documents listed at the same link, along with address and non-ECR proofs. It is important to ensure that all the details mentioned in the submitted documents, such as the complete name, date of birth, and father’s name, match accurately. Small cut-out Aadhaar cards or smart cards printed by non-UIDAI entities will not be accepted.
It is essential to note that the Tatkaal scheme is a priority service and not a premium service. It comes with additional document requirements and specific eligibility criteria. Therefore, the Tatkaal scheme is reserved for applicants with genuine and urgent passport needs.
To prevent misuse and ensure the integrity of the Tatkaal scheme, strict enforcement of eligibility and document criteria is in place. Applicants who fall into ineligible categories or lack the necessary documents will not be accepted under the Tatkaal scheme. On the day of their appointments at the PSK, such applicants will be required to request an “Application EDIT” option to convert their Tatkaal scheme applications into Normal scheme applications. They will then need to reschedule their appointments accordingly.
For detailed information about the Tatkaal scheme, applicants are urged to thoroughly read the available information and undertaking provided at the following link: https://www.passportindia.gov.in/AppOnlineProject/online/tatkaalPassports.
The special passport drive in Pune during July and August aims to streamline the passport application process and provide greater convenience to the residents. By extending working hours and opening on Saturdays, the Passport Seva Kendras and Post Office Passport Seva Kendras in Pune are ensuring that more individuals can avail passport services with ease. Applicants are advised to carefully follow the guidelines and requirements specified for the Tatkaal scheme and utilize the special drive to fulfill their passport needs.
