Par panel seeks improved security features in passports

A Parliamentary Committee today sought improved security features in passports and favoured involving travel agents to help people in online filing of applications, making payments and uploading the documents.
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, in its report tabled in Lok Sabha, also suggested integration of the 'passport sewa' network with the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network to ensure effective verification of the applicants.
Observing that citizens should get the passports without any hassle, the committee felt the External Affairs Ministry can authorise reputed travel agents across the country including in rural hinterland on payment of "minimum fee" decided by the authorities so as to facilitate people file applications online.

The Committee suggested involving the travel agents due to low access to computers, applicants not having credit and debit cards and net banking facility to pay the fees.
"The agent may be able to facilitate the public with filing of online form, uploading of documents, depositing fee online and generating appointment only," it said.
Under the new system, passport applicants have to upload application, documents and fee online to get appointment which precedes the process of issuance of the document.

The Committee, headed by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, said it had recommended the need for improving the quality and enhancing the security features in the passports in an earlier report but still same passports are being issued.

The External Affairs Ministry informed the Committee that it has taken up the issue of quality and enhancing security features in passport booklets with Indian Security Press in Nasik which provide them.
The Ministry also informed the committee that the reimbursement to police for verification of personal particulars and antecedents of applicants is being increased from Rs 100 to Rs 150 per application provided the report is received within 21 days of it being referred to police.
The reimbursement is being given to those states and Union Territories which are implementing the District Police Headquarters (DPHQ) model of verification.
Under the DPHQ model, applicants have the option of sending their documents directly to police headquarters of their respective districts. Following the completion of verification process, the police uploads a report online.