India Passport Price to Increase for Faster Processing
In a bid to streamline and expedite the passport application process, the Indian government has announced an increase in passport fees starting next month. The hike in passport fees is expected to facilitate faster processing times for applicants and improve the overall efficiency of the passport issuance system.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the new prices for Indian passports will come into effect from April 1st. Under the revised fee structure, the cost of a 36-page passport booklet will increase from INR 1,500 to INR 2,000, while the price of a 60-page passport booklet will go up from INR 2,000 to INR 3,000. These rates apply to both fresh passport applications and passport renewals.
The decision to raise passport fees comes on the heels of a growing backlog of passport applications and complaints from citizens about lengthy processing times. By increasing the cost of passports, the government hopes to discourage frivolous applications and expedite the processing of genuine requests.
In addition to the increase in passport fees, the government has also introduced a new premium service for expedited processing of passport applications. Under this scheme, applicants can opt for a faster processing time by paying an additional fee. The premium service is available for both fresh passport applications and passport renewals.
The premium service for fresh passport applications will cost INR 2,500 for a 36-page booklet and INR 3,500 for a 60-page booklet. For passport renewals, the premium service will cost INR 2,000 for a 36-page booklet and INR 3,000 for a 60-page booklet. Applicants who choose the premium service can expect to receive their passports within 7-14 days, as opposed to the standard processing time of 30-45 days.
The introduction of the premium service is part of the government’s efforts to modernize and streamline the passport issuance system. By offering expedited processing for a higher fee, the government aims to cater to the needs of individuals who require their passports urgently for travel or other purposes.
In addition to the increase in passport fees and the introduction of the premium service, the government is also implementing other measures to enhance the efficiency of the passport issuance process. This includes the digitization of passport records, the establishment of more Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) across the country, and the integration of technology to automate various aspects of passport processing.
The Ministry of External Affairs has assured citizens that the increase in passport fees is necessary to fund these improvements and ensure a more streamlined and efficient passport issuance system. The government is committed to providing quality service to passport applicants and aims to reduce processing times and eliminate delays in the issuance of passports.
While the increase in passport fees may come as a disappointment to some, it is a necessary step to modernize and improve the passport issuance process. By investing in technology, infrastructure, and human resources, the government aims to provide a more efficient and responsive service to citizens seeking passports.
Overall, the increase in passport fees and the introduction of the premium service signal a positive change towards a more streamlined and efficient passport issuance system in India. As the government continues to modernize and upgrade its passport services, citizens can expect faster processing times, improved customer service, and a more reliable and secure passport issuance process.
