The Minister of External Affairs has decided to open mini-Passport Seva Kendras in Karimnagar and Bhimavaram.
Addressing a press conference after inspecting PSK at Ameerpet on Thursday, Chief Passport Officer K Muktesh Pardeshi, along with Regional Passport Officer Dr K Srikar Reddy, informed that the two mini-PSKs were part of 15 new centres approved by the Ministry of External Affairs.
He also shared statistics related to the function of PSKs in the State. He said compared to 5.89 applications received last year at RPO Hyderabad and PO Viskhapatnam, in 2011, as many as 6.01 applications have been received this year till November 14 and 6.06 lakh services were rendered.
The CPO said that in addition to the walk-in-applications, about 3,000 online slots were relased for six PSKs under RPO, Hyderabad and 300 for one PSK under RPO, Viskahpatnam.
In addition, from November 20, the walk-in-facility will be extended to all re-issue applicants on a trial basis for one month for applicants for Tatkal services, issue of PCC, senior citizens above 60 years, minors below 15 years whose parents hold valid passport, physically challenged persons, Central and State Government employees along with their spouse and dependent minor children who have no-objection or identity certificates.
The applicants falling under the above categories are required to register their applications online at www.passportindia.gov.in and obtain Application Reference Number and visit any of the six PSKs.
Pardeshi also informed that the MoEA was considering introduction of a new booklet with chip.
–Agencies