Passport applications throw e-seva also...

In a move to simplify and expedite submission of passport applications, Regional Passport Office (RPO) formally launched the decentralised passport services counter at the Khairatabad eSeva centre on Thursday.

The facility would not only spare the citizens the ordeal of standing in long queues at the Passport Office to submit their applications but also help them get their passports faster.

Speaking to media persons, Commissioner, eSeva and secretary IT&C Suresh Chanda said passport services would be offered in nine more eSeva centres in the city in a month and the facility to other centres in the State later. The Khairatabad e-Seva centre earlier served only as a collection point but now all the details of the application would be entered into the system and sent to RPO. It would also forward the Personal Particular Forms (PPF) directly to the Police Department for verification.

Passport in 25 days

Regional Passport Officer B. Bala Bhaskar said decentralisation would make the process comfortable to citizens, eliminate role of middle men and cut down on the time taken to issue a passport. “The eSeva centres act as extension centres of RPO and work seven days a week. Passports can now be issued within 25 days,” he said.

People can also submit passport applications at special counters at Begumpet and Pathergatti post offices in addition to General Post Office and at the counter in traffic police station near I-Max theatre.

The eSeva centre and other centres will accept applications for fresh passports, renewal of existing ones, duplicate passports and applications of minors.

Through speed post

Citizens now need to go to the passport office only for Tatkal and miscellaneous services like change of address and extension of validity.

Applicants in other districts could send their applications through the offices of Superintendent of Police and 79 speed post centres, Mr. Bala Bhaskar added.