In a major step to make passport services more accessible, the central government has announced plans to increase the number of Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) to 600 by 2028-29. This initiative aims to simplify the process for citizens, bringing passport services closer to their homes through post offices.

Key Highlights of the Initiative

Expansion of Passport Seva Kendras: The current 442 Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs) will be expanded to 600 by 2028-29. This expansion will reduce the need for long-distance travel to obtain passports.

Increased Customer Base: The annual number of passport applicants is expected to grow from 3.5 million to 10 million in the next five years.

Renewal of Agreement: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Department of Posts has been renewed for five years. The agreement was signed by Manisha Bansal Badal, GM of the Department of Posts, and K.J. Srinivas, Joint Secretary of the MEA.

How to Apply for a Passport at a Post Office

Visit your nearest post office equipped with a Common Service Centre (CSC) counter.

Register and apply online via the official portal.

Pay the required application fee and submit the form online.

Choose an appointment date for document verification.

On the appointment day, visit the post office with the required documents for biometric verification, including fingerprints and retina scans.

Documents Required for Passport Application

Applicants will need the following documents:

Birth certificate

High school mark sheet

Voter ID

PAN card

Aadhaar card

Driving license

Ration card

A notarized affidavit

After successful document verification, the passport issuance process will proceed.

Enhanced Convenience for Citizens

This initiative is expected to significantly benefit those living in remote areas, ensuring that passport services are more accessible than ever. With the integration of post offices into the passport issuance system, the government is simplifying the process, saving both time and effort for applicants. Citizens can now look forward to a hassle-free experience as the government moves closer to achieving its goal of providing seamless public services nationwide.