Jaishankar Introduces Enhanced E-passports for India's Passport Seva 2.0

Latest News Updates: India's Foreign Minister, S. Jaishankar, marked Passport Seva Divas by revealing the upcoming launch of the second phase of the Passport Seva Programme (PSP-Version 2.0). This new phase will introduce improved e-passports while emphasizing the importance of delivering passport and related services in a timely, reliable, accessible, transparent, and efficient manner.

Jaishankar announced the upcoming launch of Passport Seva Programme (PSP) Version 2.0, which will bring new and improved e-passports. Aligned with the Prime Minister's vision of improving citizens' "Ease of Living," these initiatives will introduce a new era of convenience: E for enhanced passport services through a digital system, A for AI-powered service delivery, S for seamless overseas travel with chip-enabled e-passports, and E for enhanced data security.

The minister urged all passport issuing authorities in India and abroad to join him in reaffirming their commitment to delivering passport and related services to citizens promptly, reliably, conveniently, transparently, and efficiently.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) took to Twitter to share Jaishankar's message on the occasion of Passport Seva Divas. Their caption emphasized the commitment of #TeamMEA to offer passport and related services to citizens promptly, reliably, conveniently, transparently, and efficiently.

Highlighting the ministry's achievement, Jaishankar mentioned that they processed a remarkable 13.32 million passports and miscellaneous services in 2022, reflecting a significant 63% increase compared to the previous year. He further emphasized that this accomplishment has played a crucial role in realizing the vision of a 'Digital India'.

Jaishankar highlighted the substantial contribution of the Passport Seva Programme (PSP) towards the government's objective of achieving a Digital India. He mentioned key achievements such as the mPassport Seva Mobile App, mPassport Police App, integration of PSP with DigiLocker, and the introduction of the 'apply from anywhere' scheme.

Jaishankar acknowledged the remarkable growth in the number of Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) in India, from 77 in 2014 to a current count of 523, representing a seven-fold increase. He also expressed gratitude to the Department of Posts and state police authorities, recognizing their valuable partnership in the establishment and functioning of POPSKs (Post Office Passport Seva Kendras).