In a bid to streamline the passport application process and provide faster services to citizens, the Government of India has introduced the Tatkal passport scheme. This scheme allows individuals to get their passport issued within a shorter time frame by paying an additional fee. The Tatkal passport fees in India are higher than the regular passport fees, but the expedited service it offers is a boon for those in urgent need of a passport.
The Tatkal scheme was introduced by the Ministry of External Affairs in 2010 to cater to the growing demand for passports in the country. Under this scheme, applicants can get their passport issued within 1-3 days, compared to the normal processing time of 10-30 days. This has been a game-changer for many individuals who need to travel urgently for work, study, medical treatment, or any other pressing reason.
The Tatkal passport fees in India vary depending on the type of passport required – whether it is a fresh passport, re-issue, or a minor passport. For a fresh passport under Tatkal scheme, the fee is INR 4,000 for a 36-page booklet and INR 5,000 for a 60-page booklet. For re-issue of passport under Tatkal scheme, the fee is INR 4,000 for a 36-page booklet and INR 5,000 for a 60-page booklet. For a minor passport under Tatkal scheme, the fee is INR 3,000 for a 36-page booklet and INR 3,500 for a 60-page booklet.
The higher fees for Tatkal passport are justified by the expedited service it offers. The additional fee is meant to cover the cost of processing the application on a priority basis and ensure that the passport is issued within the stipulated time frame. This has made the Tatkal scheme popular among those who need a passport urgently and are willing to pay the extra cost for quick processing.
To apply for a Tatkal passport, applicants need to follow a specific procedure outlined by the Passport Seva Kendra. They need to first register on the Passport Seva website and fill out the online application form. After this, they need to schedule an appointment at the Passport Seva Kendra for document verification and biometric verification. Once the verification process is completed, the passport is issued within the prescribed time frame.
The Tatkal passport scheme has been a resounding success since its inception, with thousands of individuals opting for this service every year. The quick processing time and hassle-free application process have made it a preferred choice for those in urgent need of a passport. The scheme has also helped in reducing the backlog of passport applications and improving the overall efficiency of the passport issuance process.
In recent years, the Government of India has taken several initiatives to further streamline the passport application process and make it more citizen-friendly. The introduction of online application and appointment booking system, passport seva kendras in various cities, and the expansion of the Tatkal passport scheme are some of the key steps taken in this direction.
Going forward, the government plans to introduce more technological interventions to make the passport application process completely online and reduce the need for physical visits to the passport office. This will not only make the process more convenient for applicants but also help in reducing the processing time and improving overall efficiency.
Overall, the Tatkal passport scheme has been a game-changer in the passport application process in India. It has provided a quick and efficient way for individuals to get their passport issued within a short time frame, making it a boon for those in urgent need of a passport. With the government’s continued focus on improving passport services, we can expect to see further enhancements in the coming years to make the process even more seamless and hassle-free for citizens.
