GUWAHATI: The Union government has introduced stricter documentation requirements and procedural changes for passport applications. The revised rules aim to enhance security, privacy, and efficiency in the application process. Here are the five major takeaways from the updated regulations:
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1. Birth Certificate Now Mandatory
Effective October 1, 2023, individuals born on or after this date must submit a birth certificate as the only valid proof of their date of birth. This certificate must be issued by the Municipal Corporation, the Registrar of Births and Deaths, or an authority designated under the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969.
For those born before this date, alternative documents such as a PAN card, driving licence, school leaving certificate, matriculation certificate, or extracts from service records will still be accepted.
2. Digital Embedding of Residential Address
To enhance security and privacy, passports will no longer display the residential address on the last page. Instead, this information will be embedded in a barcode, which can be scanned by immigration officials when needed.
3. Colour-Coded Passport System Introduced
A new colour-coding system has been implemented to simplify identification:
White passports – Issued to government officials.
Red passports – Assigned to diplomats.
Blue passports – Will continue to be issued to ordinary citizens.
4. Parents' Names No Longer Required
To improve privacy, the revised rules eliminate the requirement for parents' names to be printed on the last page of passports. This change is particularly beneficial for single-parent families or individuals from separated households.
5. Expansion of Passport Seva Kendras
To improve accessibility and efficiency, the government plans to increase the number of Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs) from 442 to 600 within the next five years. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Department of Posts have extended their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate this expansion.
