India will Soon Embark On Passport Seva Programme Version 2.0: S Jaishankar

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has announced that India is gearing up for the next phase of the Passport Seva Programme (PSP-Version 2.0), which includes new and upgraded e-passports

The Union Home Minister appealed to passport-issuing authorities in India and abroad to join him in renewing the pledge to provide passport and related services to people in a "timely, reliable, accessible, transparent and efficient manner", ANI reported.

"We will soon be embarking on Passport Seva Programme (PSP) Version 2.0, including new and upgraded e-passports," Jaishankar said in his message on Passport Seva Kendra.

He stated, "In line with the Prime Minister's vision of enhancing the 'Ease of Living' for citizens, these initiatives will usher in a new paradigm of 'EASE": E: Enhanced passport services to citizens, using a digital eco-system A: Artificial Intelligence-powered service delivery S: Smoother overseas travel using chip-enabled e-passports E: Enhanced data security."

In his message, Jaishankar further stated, "I would like to call on all our passport issuing authorities in India and abroad to join me in renewing our pledge to provide passport and related services to citizens in a timely, reliable, accessible, transparent and efficient manner."

The Ministry of External Affairs shared Jaishankar's message and tweeted, "Here is a message from EAM @DrSJaishankar, as we observe the Passport Seva Divas today. #TeamMEA reaffirms its commitment to provide passport and related services to citizens in a timely, reliable, accessible, transparent and efficient manner."

It was a matter of pleasure to felicitate all passport-issuing authorities in India and abroad and their colleagues from the Central Passport Organization on the occasion of the Passport Seva Divas 2023, the Union Minister said. He emphasized that this occasion serves as an opportunity to reflect on past accomplishments and reaffirm India's commitment to achieving the highest standards in passport service delivery.

EAM Jaishankar highlighted the Ministry of External Affairs' response to the surge in demand for passport-related services following the COVID-19 pandemic. The ministry took proactive measures such as increasing the number of daily appointments and organizing special drives during weekends. He proudly stated that in 2022, the ministry processed a remarkable 13.32 million passports and miscellaneous services, a significant 63 per cent increase compared to 2021.

S Jaishankar pointed out that Passport Seva Programme (PSP) has contributed significantly towards the Indian government's goal of a 'Digital India.' "PSP has significantly contributed towards the Government's goal of a Digital India', with milestones such as mPassport Seva Mobile App, mPassport Police App, integration of PSP with DigiLocker, and the 'apply from anywhere' scheme," the minister said in his message.