Have Aadhaar? Get passport in just 10 days

New Delhi, Feb 23: Here's good news for Aadhaar card holders. From now onwards, those who have Aadhaar card can get passport in just 10 days.

According to report in Times of India, the ministry of external affairs (MEA) has now decided to rely on Aadhaar card for applicant's identification and on National Crime Records Bureau data to check his or her criminal background.

This process which is aimed at expediting the passport issuing system will not include police verification as it is very time-consuming.

The report says that like Tatkaal seva, the government will issue fresh passport to the applicants having Aadhar card only on the condition that he or she will get the police verification done later on.

The report further say, "In the new format, the applicant would apply online; he or she needs only to attach the Aadhaar card as the sole address and identity proof. The applicant will get the appointment within three days and in another seven days, the passport will be processed and dispatched."

The MEA is of the view that when an applicant already has an Aadhaar card or has applied for, his identity to a major extent is established -- this needs to be confirmed by UIDAI. Therefore, based on NCRB validation and the applicant's self declaration on the aspects of citizenship, criminal antecedents, criminal proceedings, summons/ warrants etc.

The passport can be issued on post-police verification basis. While granting the passport, the applicant will also be given the address of police station which is responsible for the police verification so that the applicant can also actively pursue and complete the process of verification before travelling abroad. "In the event of any wrong declaration by the applicant, the passport will be impounded/ revoked as per specified procedure," the note said.

Recently, the Narendra Modi Government made the Aadhar card mandatory for applying passport.

OneIndia News