TCS passport seva launch likely by next month

After missing three deadlines, the Passport Seva Project of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) that aims to issue passport in just three days, is likely to be launched next month, a senior government official today said.

"TCS Passport Seva Project is all set to be launched by end-March. The infrastructure is ready, software problems have been fixed and security issues are in place for the project to start," Ministry of Communication & Information Technology Additional Secretary S R Rao told reporters on the sidelines of a CII event here.

A final announcement in this regard would be made soon, Rao said. The e-governance contract for implementing the Rs 1,000 crore project was given to TCS in October 2008.

Since June 2009, the project deadline has been altered many times.

"According to an agreement with TCS, a pilot study was to be launched in Bangalore and Chandigarh in March 2009. However, the project missed its deadline citing delay in the physical infrastructure and technological problems," Rao said.

The Passport Seva Project, based on a public-private-partnership model, aims to provide passport-related services to Indian citizens in a speedy, convenient and transparent manner.

According to the agreement a pilot study was to be launched in Bangalore and Chandigarh in March 2009 followed by a soft launch of the facility in these two cities.  Three months later in June and later a nationwide launch, comprising 77 Passport Seva Kendras and incorporating the 37 regional passport offices, by January 2010.

When the June date was missed, the internal deadline was first moved to October and then to November. Both were not met.

However, TCS Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director N Chandrasekaran, did not wish to comment on the matter.