On the momentous occasion of the 13th Passport Seva Divas, External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar unveiled a new chapter in India’s citizen service delivery with the nationwide rollout of e-Passports and a fully upgraded Passport Seva Programme (PSP). These advancements mark a definitive step toward a technologically empowered and service-centric administration aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat.
Taking to social media platform X, the Minister underlined the philosophical framework guiding this transformation: “Seva, Sushasan and Garib Kalyan are three key pillars of governance that would lead us to a Viksit Bharat. They are all reflected with prominence in our Passport Seva Programme.”
Over the past decade, passport services in India have undergone a significant transformation. Dr. Jaishankar highlighted the progress made since 2014, when 91 lakh passports were issued annually—a number that has surged to 1.46 crore in 2024. This remarkable increase reflects not just demand, but also the widening accessibility and streamlined delivery of passport-related services under the revamped Passport Seva Programme.
PSP Version 2.0: A National Milestone
A standout announcement from Jaishankar’s address was the nationwide rollout of Passport Seva Programme Version 2.0, an upgraded platform that incorporates cutting-edge digital technologies to enhance service delivery, transparency, and efficiency.
“In line with the Government of India’s commitment to deliver the next level of citizen-centric service, I am delighted to inform that we have rolled out PSP V2.0 across the country,” said Jaishankar. The updated version introduces automation, real-time data integration, and more intuitive interfaces, offering applicants a more seamless experience.
The Global PSP V2.0, which is currently in its pilot phase, is also being tested across select Indian missions abroad and will soon be rolled out in phases to serve the Indian diaspora.
e-Passports: A Leap into the Future
One of the most transformative developments is the launch of e-Passports, a modern travel document embedded with a secure electronic chip. This chip stores critical biometric data and allows contactless, faster, and more secure immigration processing, aligning India with global best practices.
The Passport Seva Programme now aims to make e-Passports the new standard for Indian citizens, drastically reducing the risks of data tampering while expediting border formalities.
S Jaishankar: Speeding Up Verification and Expanding Reach
A key challenge in passport issuance—police verification—has also been addressed through the mPassport Police App, which has successfully reduced the verification time to just 5–7 days across 25 States and Union Territories. This tech-enabled innovation strengthens inter-agency coordination and enhances applicant satisfaction.
Additionally, the physical footprint of the Passport Seva ecosystem continues to expand. Over the past year alone, ten new Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs) have been inaugurated, with the latest—marking the 450th centre—opened in Kushinagar in April 2025. In parallel, mobile passport service vans have begun servicing remote and underserved regions, ensuring no citizen is left behind.
Empowering Citizens for Global Mobility
These reforms are more than just administrative upgrades—they are enablers of economic opportunity. “These improvements have helped Indian workers and professionals engage more easily with global job markets,” S Jaishankar noted, emphasizing the impact on mobility and livelihoods.
By simplifying access to passports and reducing bureaucratic hurdles, the Passport Seva Programme continues to empower citizens to pursue education, employment, and family reunification abroad with greater ease.
S Jaishankar: A Collective Effort in Nation-Building
S Jaishankar concluded his announcement with a heartfelt note of appreciation to the vast network of stakeholders powering the Passport Seva ecosystem.
“I take this opportunity to congratulate everyone at Passport Offices, Passport Seva Kendras, Post Office Passport Seva Kendras and all partners of Passport Seva Programme, including the Department of Posts, India Security Press at Nashik, State Police authorities, our service providers and others for their dedication,” he said.
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