Tatkal Passport Fees to Increase as Government Aims to Streamline Process
In a move aimed at streamlining the passport issuance process and addressing the growing demand for tatkal passports, the Indian government has announced an increase in tatkal passport fees. The decision, which was made by the Ministry of External Affairs, is set to come into effect from the beginning of next month.
The decision to increase the tatkal passport fees comes as no surprise, given the increasing number of applications for tatkal passports in recent years. The tatkal scheme was introduced to provide expedited passport issuance for individuals who need their passports urgently due to unforeseen circumstances. However, the high demand for tatkal passports has led to delays in processing times, prompting the government to take action.
Under the new fee structure, applicants applying for tatkal passports will be required to pay a higher fee than before. The increase in fees is aimed at discouraging frivolous applications and ensuring that only those genuinely in need of a tatkal passport avail of the scheme. The government hopes that the higher fees will also help streamline the process and reduce waiting times for applicants.
According to a spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, the increase in tatkal passport fees is part of a larger effort to modernize and improve the passport issuance process. The spokesperson stated, “We have seen a significant increase in the number of applications for tatkal passports in recent years. This has put a strain on our resources and led to longer processing times. By increasing the tatkal fees, we hope to deter individuals who do not have an urgent need for a passport from applying under the tatkal scheme.”
The new fee structure for tatkal passports will see an increase of approximately 20% from the current fees. While the exact fee amounts have not been disclosed yet, sources within the Ministry of External Affairs have indicated that the fees will be in line with the increased demand for tatkal passports and the additional resources needed to process these applications.
In addition to the increase in fees, the government is also planning to introduce other measures to streamline the tatkal passport issuance process. This includes the introduction of an online portal for tatkal passport applications, which will allow applicants to submit their documents and pay their fees online. The online portal is expected to reduce the need for in-person appointments and make the process more efficient for both applicants and passport officials.
Furthermore, the government is also considering expanding the network of Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) to accommodate the growing demand for tatkal passports. PSKs are passport issuance centers that provide various services to applicants, including application processing, document verification, and biometric data collection. By expanding the network of PSKs, the government hopes to reduce waiting times for applicants and improve overall efficiency in the passport issuance process.
The increase in tatkal passport fees has received mixed reactions from the public. While some individuals have expressed concerns over the higher fees, others have welcomed the move as a necessary step to address the growing demand for tatkal passports. One individual, who recently applied for a tatkal passport, stated, “I understand why the government is increasing the fees. The demand for tatkal passports has been overwhelming, and something needed to be done to streamline the process. I hope that the higher fees will help reduce waiting times and ensure that only those who truly need a tatkal passport avail of the scheme.”
Overall, the decision to increase tatkal passport fees is a step in the right direction towards improving the passport issuance process in India. By deterring frivolous applications and implementing measures to streamline the process, the government is working towards ensuring that individuals receive their passports in a timely manner. As the new fee structure comes into effect next month, it will be interesting to see how these changes impact the tatkal passport issuance process and whether they lead to improved efficiency and customer satisfaction.
