Trivandrum: The Passport Seva Kendras (PSK) are aimed at making the passport delivery process more efficient. It is a Mission Mode Project under the National e-Governance plan. To speed up and simplify the passport application process, 77 Passport Seva Kendras are being planned to be set up across the country under Public-Private Partnership.
PSKs is the pilot project of Ministry of External Affairs. The project started with the commencement of 7 Pilot PSKs at Bangalore, Mangalore, Hubli, Chandigarh, Ambala and Ludhiana. As of now, a total of 30 PSKs are fully functional and rendering passport related services across the country. The new PSK to be set up at Vazhuthacaud, Trivandrum will be the 31st centre.
These PSKs are working under the partnership of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) that provide the front-end operations at the Kendras. Passport officer Mathew told Yentha, “There is a shortage of clerical staff in our office. The support of TCS will help to resolve the problem. TCS takes care of collecting applications and photographs and recording of bio-metric details of the applicants. TCS gets a commission for their service.”
These trained professionals are helpful and friendly towards customers. They efficiently handle a large number customers and files. They use state-of-the-art infrastructure and offices designed with a classy, stylish interior to put customers at ease and provide a relaxing environment.
In order to file an application for passport through PSKs, the applicant has to first log on www.passportindia.gov.in; then register and submit application along with necessary documents. The next step is to fix an online appointment with the PSK. The application will be processed by the PSK’s ‘A’ counter. The Passport officer says, “In ‘A’ counter, the TCS staff handles the work. They will sort the applications and assist the applicants and inform them as to whether any rechecking is needed. In ‘B’ and ‘C’ counters, the Government officials handle the remaining work.” This fast processing will help the customer to know whether or not he will get the passport on the same day itself.
The three PSKs under the jurisdiction of Passport office, Trivandrum were proposed to be opened to citizens on December 28, 2011 in the ground floor of Carmel Towers, opposite the Cotton Hill School. However, the Youth Congress workers vandalized the inauguration by citing the reason that the local MP, MLA and Councilors were not invited for the inaugural ceremony. Protestors entered the building shouting slogans and damaged public property. Following this the event was cut short. Mathew says, “The government has commissioned the implementation of 77 PSKs to be completed by March 31, 2012. Already 30 PSKs are functioning smoothly. But here in Trivandrum we are still waiting for the PSK to be opened to the public.”
This means Trivandrum has to wait again to get the service of PSKs.
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Quelle/Source: Yentha, 05.01.2012
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