EAM Jaishankar highlights leap in passport services; MoS Margherita calls it a model of inclusivity and efficiency
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) celebrated Passport Seva Divas on 24 June 2025 to mark the enactment of the Passports Act on the same date in 1967. As part of the celebrations, a three-day Regional Passport Officers (RPO) Conference is being held from 23 to 25 June 2025 in New Delhi, bringing together key stakeholders from across the country.
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, in his message, congratulated the Ministry on the successful implementation of Passport Seva Project (PSP) Version 2.0 and the launch of the e-Passport project.
He noted the remarkable journey from issuing 91 lakh passports in 2014 to 1.46 crore in 2024, attributing this growth to innovations like the m-Police app, Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs), and GPSP that have expanded and simplified access even in remote areas.
MEA marks Passport Seva Divas with focus on e-Passports, tech-driven reforms, and citizen-friendly innovations.
Minister of State for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita, presided over the celebrations and highlighted the affordability and inclusiveness of current passport services.
He praised efforts such as establishing Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Limited (TRIFED) outlets in passport offices, installing solar and rainwater harvesting systems, and lauded the coordination between the MEA, Department of Posts, and other agencies in making the passport ecosystem transparent and efficient.
Awards were also presented to individuals and institutions for outstanding contributions in improving passport outreach and service quality.
The ongoing RPO Conference witnessed participation from 37 Passport Offices and officials of the Central Passport Organization, led by Joint Secretary (PSP) & Chief Passport Officer Dr. K.J. Srinivasa. The conference includes extensive discussions on PSP 2.0, e-Passport rollout, HR development, capacity building, grievance redressal, and security enhancements to ensure quicker and safer passport services.
