Kolkata's Passport Office Introduces Priority Services for Faster Processing
In a significant move to enhance citizen services, the Regional Passport Office in Kolkata has rolled out a series of new measures at the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) in Anandapur. The initiative is specifically designed to drastically reduce waiting times for senior citizens, parents with infants, and tech-savvy applicants who use the DigiLocker platform.
Special S-Token System for Priority Applicants
The cornerstone of this new effort is the launch of an S-token (Special Token) system. This mechanism prioritizes vulnerable groups and those with time-sensitive needs, ensuring they are processed ahead of the regular queue. An official from the regional passport office explained the dramatic time savings: while a standard N-token involves a process lasting between 45 to 55 minutes for verification, photo, and biometrics, applicants eligible for S-tokens are processed on a tatkal or immediate basis.
This focused approach means that elderly individuals and families with young children no longer have to endure long waits, making the passport application experience considerably smoother and less stressful.
DigiLocker Integration for Instant Verification
Another key feature accelerating service is the integration of DigiLocker, the government's secure digital document wallet. Applicants who pre-fetch their essential documents—such as Aadhaar, PAN, voter ID, or educational certificates—on the DigiLocker app and link it to the Passport Seva portal are directed to a special counter.
The major advantage here is speed. Officials can validate DigiLocker records instantly, eliminating the time-consuming manual checks of physical papers. This paperless and direct verification process is a game-changer for efficiency at the Kendra.
Emergency Appointments and Ongoing Verification Challenges
For those with urgent travel needs, the passport office has retained a provision for emergency walk-in appointments. Applicants must submit a written request detailing their urgency, supported by an emergency passport proforma. According to the official, a response is typically provided within 2 to 3 days, after which a walk-in slot is allocated.
However, the office also highlighted a persistent bottleneck: police verification. Despite faster processing at the Kendra, the final issuance of passports can still be delayed by stringent police checks, which may take up to a month. This heightened scrutiny follows a recent scandal where over 600 passports were issued using forged documents, leading to the apprehension of a police officer and two postal employees.
To further address public grievances and streamline processes, the passport office has been conducting special enquiry camps and passport adalats, reinforcing its commitment to improving service delivery for the citizens of Kolkata.
