PASSPORT SEVA KENDRA (PASSPORT SERVICE CENTER)

The Passport Seva Kendra, Vazhuthacaud, Trivandrum, Kerala, India on 21.02.2012 at 2.15 PM presented a very pleasant experience. When the passport was due for renewal I had been bracing myself up to undergo yet again the rigors I went through a decade earlier. However  I was surprised to learn that the procedure had been thoroughly revamped. The application could be submitted online. Surprises galore.  I had been offered the choice to select the time I preferred on the available date.   I was advised to report at the office on 21.02.2012 at 2.15 PM.

The security officials gathered all who had appointments for the slot to queue up for the security check. It was over  fast.  We were led to a line for scrutiny of the documents. The swiftness surprised us. The officials  brimmed with courtesy.  There was another line for issue of the token. We relaxed in an air conditioned lounge awaiting the display of the number on the screen. When it came up I was directed to a counter where the online application was scrutinized by a  well-mannered official.  Amendments could be proposed on the  data . The official modified it. I was requested to go through the application again to ensure that it had my approval. It was time to remit the required fee. Fingerprints and photo were captured. The official inquired whether the photo was alright. Upon issue of a receipt,   I was advised to wait for inspection of data by officials of the Government.  The official  scrutinized the data with a smile and returned the passport on its cancellation. The finale  was the meeting  with the Passport Officer .  It was over within minutes.  At 2.55 PM the official indicated the processing was over and that I would have the new Passport in twenty days.   It took  five more minutes to complete the feedback. I just could not believe it when I had stepped out of the office at 3.00 PM. It was outrageous to expect such quick disposals in the good old days.  I was very happy to be a part of the changing facet of our country.

We do not relish the prospect of walking into a Government Office in India for services that are essential. We know that those who work there consider us unwelcome intruders. They interpret laws in such a way that our needs are never satisfied. They are subjective to the core. They derive pleasure in driving us around in circles. Serpentine queues and indifferent officials make us sweat it out for days together even for the submission of an application. Endemic is the delay in processing.

Passport Seva Kendra is a mark of resolute Indians who are out to make a difference in the lives of fellow citizens.   It is an authentic statement on the benefits of PPP (Public Private Participation - (MOE) Ministry of External Affairs and (TCS) Tata Consultancy Services). Together they made the impossible possible.