How is the Mobile Passport Seva Van Service Transforming the Northeast?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The Mobile Passport Seva Van Service improves accessibility for passport applications.
- It is part of the 'Passport Seva Aapke Dwar' initiative by the Ministry of External Affairs.
- Mobile vans will reach remote areas to facilitate the submission of applications.
- The initiative aims for last-mile delivery of passport services.
- One mobile van is allocated to each of the 37 RPOs nationwide.
Guwahati/Kohima, July 14 (NationPress) In a significant move by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) under the initiative 'Passport Seva Aapke Dwar', a new Mobile Passport Seva Van Service has been introduced in the northeastern region to enhance the accessibility of passport services for residents in remote areas, as confirmed by officials on Monday.
According to a Nagaland government representative, the launch was officiated by K.J. Srinivasa, Joint Secretary for the Passport Seva Project and Chief Passport Officer at the MEA, during an event held at Gauhati University in Assam on Saturday.
This initiative is part of the MEA’s ongoing program aimed at providing passport services to rural and hard-to-reach locations across the northeastern region.
The newly launched mobile van service is designed to reach remote areas, allowing citizens to seamlessly submit their passport applications from their local vicinity.
Officials reiterated that this service aims to ensure the last-mile delivery of passports and associated services.
Currently, there are six Passport Seva Kendras and 19 Post Office Passport Seva Kendras functioning across six northeastern states, excluding Tripura, under the Regional Passport Office (RPO) in Guwahati. Tripura is served by a Passport Seva Kendra located in Agartala.
Srinivasa emphasized that the mobile van acts as a “one-stop shop” where applicants can fulfill all necessary processes related to passport submission.
He mentioned that one mobile van has been distributed to each of the 37 RPOs nationwide, with intentions to expand the fleet in the future.
“This initiative showcases the Ministry of External Affairs’ dedication to enhancing accessibility, efficiency, and user-friendliness of passport services,” Srinivasa remarked, adding, “We are committed to reaching every citizen, particularly those in the most secluded areas.”
The launch event saw participation from senior officials of the RPO Guwahati, TCS, and Gauhati University. This new service is considered a pivotal advancement in ensuring better access to passport services for those living in inaccessible regions.
While visiting, Srinivasa engaged with key stakeholders, including Assam's Director General of Police (DGP) Harmeet Singh, Additional DGP Hiren Chandra Nath, and Chief Postmaster General (CPMG) Colonel Arvind Varma.
He also took the time to inspect the RPO and Passport Seva Kendra in Guwahati, commending the hard work and dedication of all officials involved, urging them to uphold high standards of efficiency, transparency, and integrity.
This latest development represents a vital step towards the Ministry's overarching goal of making government services more accessible and bringing them closer to the Indian populace.