In a bid to streamline the process of issuing passports in India, the Ministry of External Affairs has introduced a new scheme called the tatkal passport. This scheme allows for expedited processing of passport applications for those who need their passports urgently, whether it be for emergency travel or any other reason. However, the tatkal passport comes at an additional cost, known as the tatkal passport fees.
The tatkal passport fees in India vary depending on the urgency of the application and the type of passport being applied for. For a regular tatkal passport (36 pages) with a 10-year validity, the fee is Rs. 2,000. For a tatkal passport with 60 pages, the fee is Rs. 3,000. These fees are in addition to the regular passport fees, which are Rs. 1,500 for a 36-page passport and Rs. 2,000 for a 60-page passport.
The tatkal passport fees are set by the Ministry of External Affairs and are meant to cover the cost of expedited processing of the passport application. This includes the cost of manpower, equipment, and other resources required to process the application quickly. While the tatkal passport fees may seem steep compared to the regular passport fees, they are justified by the urgency of the application and the need for quick processing.
To apply for a tatkal passport, applicants need to meet certain criteria set by the Ministry of External Affairs. These criteria include providing proof of urgency, such as a letter from the employer or a medical emergency certificate, and paying the required tatkal passport fees. Once the application is submitted, the passport is typically processed within 1-3 days, as opposed to the usual 30-45 days for regular passport applications.
The introduction of the tatkal passport scheme has been welcomed by many in India, especially those who need their passports urgently for travel or other reasons. The expedited processing of passport applications has made it easier for people to get their passports quickly and without hassle. However, some have raised concerns about the tatkal passport fees, which they feel are too high and may be prohibitive for some people.
In response to these concerns, the Ministry of External Affairs has stated that the tatkal passport fees are necessary to cover the cost of expedited processing and to discourage misuse of the scheme. They have also pointed out that the tatkal passport fees are in line with similar schemes in other countries, where expedited processing of passport applications comes at an additional cost.
Overall, the introduction of the tatkal passport scheme in India has been a positive development for those who need their passports urgently. While the tatkal passport fees may be a deterrent for some, they are a necessary part of the scheme to ensure quick and efficient processing of passport applications. With the tatkal passport scheme in place, getting a passport in India has never been easier or quicker.
