PATNA: The online service of the regional passport office of Patna, which was launched on February 9 this year, has lately got an overwhelming response from Patnaites. As many as 2670 people have applied online for passports in the first 15 days of April. In all, a total of 3886 people applied for passport in the last three months, of which 422 have been issued passports.
"Students are the major users of online service. It is easy for people to apply online as the service has many features which save their time and make it absolutely hassle-free," said Anand Kumar, the regional passport officer, Patna.
But, even as the number of people applying for passport is increasing at a fast pace, about 60% applicants don't turn up for interview. Said Kumar, "Surprisingly, 60% applicants do not turn up for interview. People have a tendency to apply for passports even though they do not really need it. Incidentally, in comparison to the manual process of applying, the backlog of applications is lower in online service."
He said the office is facing a rush of Haj visitors, who are applying under the Tatkal scheme and the online service. "We request Haj visitors to apply for passports at least 10 months before the pilgrimage date. However, better interdepartmental coordination may increase the number of passports issued," added Anand Kumar.
Every year, the Haj committee makes a list of Haj visitors and sends it to the passport office. But incomplete list and inaccurately filled application forms delay the process of issuing passports.
Currently, the police verification of passport applications takes only 21 days. The website, www.fro.patnapolice.com, displays all information regarding the status of passport applications issued from Patna, details of foreign nationals visiting the state capital and also the status of passport applications of people of the state capital living in different parts of the country.
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