The Indian government has recently launched a new e-passport initiative. This is part of the Passport Seva Programme (PSP) 2.0. Union External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar made the announcement. The move aims to modernise the passport system and enhance travel security for citizens.
The e-passport is a digital version of the traditional passport. It contains an embedded electronic chip. This chip holds important personal and biometric information. The aim is to improve security and speed up identity checks at airports. Dr. Jaishankar expressed his excitement about this initiative. He stated that it supports the government’s goal to provide better services to citizens.
So, what exactly is an e-passport? It includes advanced technology. The e-passport features a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip and an antenna within its cover. This allows for quick scanning during immigration checks. The passport holder’s personal information, like their name, date of birth, and even fingerprints, is safely stored in this chip. You can easily identify an e-passport by a small gold symbol printed inside its cover.
If you want to apply for an e-passport, the process is straightforward. First, you need to visit the official Passport Seva website. New users must register, while existing users can log in. Next, fill out the e-passport application form. After that, book an appointment at a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or a Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK). Don’t forget to pay the required fee. Finally, visit the centre on the scheduled date for biometric data collection and document verification.
The e-passport comes with several key benefits. Firstly, it enhances security. The embedded chip stores encrypted data, making it harder for anyone to forge or duplicate the passport. Secondly, it allows for faster immigration checks. The contactless chip scanning speeds up the process at airports. Lastly, e-passports are globally accepted and meet international travel standards, making travel easier for Indian citizens.
India is not alone in this initiative. Over 120 countries, including the US and Canada, have already adopted biometric e-passports. This puts India in line with global travel standards. The new e-passports also address privacy concerns. The government has removed residential addresses from the last page of passports. Instead, this space now includes a computer-readable barcode. This change aims to enhance security and protect personal information.
Moreover, the Indian government is expanding the Passport Seva Kendra network. By 2030, they plan to increase the number of Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs) from 442 to 600. This expansion will make passport services more accessible, especially in rural areas. It will reduce the need for long-distance travel for passport applications, thereby streamlining the process.
These changes reflect India’s commitment to modernise its passport system and enhance the security of its citizens. The new e-passport initiative is a significant step towards providing a better travel experience. It is expected to benefit both individuals and businesses involved in international travel.
As more Indian citizens travel globally, this modernisation is timely. The e-passport will likely facilitate smoother immigration checks and provide peace of mind for travellers. Overall, this development marks a positive change in India’s approach to passport services.
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