The Passport Seva Project introduced by the Ministry of External Affairs as a public-private initiative with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) to streamline the process of issuing passports almost coincided with a considerable rise in the number of applicants. While the Regional Passport Office, Bangalore, was grappling with attending to almost 2,000 applicants a day — a huge jump from 1,200 in 2009 — applicants had to contend with a whole new system of obtaining passports. With the setting up of Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) the applicants have to log in to >www.passportindia.gov.in , fill the application form and secure appointment slots to process their application. Though the procedure appears simple on paper, many applicants face several hurdles either at the online stage itself or at the PSKs. The Hindu It's Official picked the issues arising out of the introduction of the Passport Seva Project. What followed was a very educative and lively session on Saturday. K.J. Srinivasa, Regional Passport Officer, Bangalore, and Assistant Commissioner of Police (City Special Branch) Balaji Singh fielded queries from the participants during the programme.
