Passport process made simple for govt employees

A new 'prior intimation' feature introduced by the ministry of external affairs for government servants and public sector undertakings/ autonomous body employees seeking passports is expected to simplify the procedure for them.

The prior intimation letter will benefit thousands of government employees who find it difficult to obtain identity certificates/ no-objection certificates from their departments, a statement issued by the ministry said.

The letter will enable the applicant to inform his/ her controlling or administrative authority (employer) regarding the submission of the passport application. The passport-seeker can submit the letter in the format of annexure 'N'.


After the applicant submits the passport application, the copy of this prior intimation will be sent to his/her employer. In case the employer has any objection regarding issuance of passport to that person, they can convey the details to the regional passport officer concerned. The final decision, however, will be taken by the passport issuing authority concerned, the statement said.


Atul Gotsurve, Pune's regional passport officer, said, "Getting a no-objection certificate from their headquarters is a challenge for many government employees, especially those posted in far-flung areas, away from the headquarters. This new system will eliminate the need to obtain the certificate. Merely submitting the prior information letter will allow them to take their passport application forward."

If the applicant submits the letter, the passport will be issued on the basis of pre-police verification. However, the provisions of police verification will remain applicable in reissue cases.

While the revised provisions deal only with passport issuance, the requirement for government employees to obtain prior information from their department/ ministry to travel abroad as per conduct rules will remain unchanged, as per the instructions issued by the department of personnel and training and respective authorities, the statement clarified.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/City/Pune/Passport-process-made-simple-for-govt-employees/articleshow/47506221.cms

Comments