Lucknow (Shikhar): Getting a passport in India should be a simplified task as every citizen has a legal right to it, yet the reality about the passport process differs as it faces many issues and problems making things difficult for general public. A bigger issue is that rules are too difficult and not clear. The list of papers required at Passport Sewa Kendras and how they are used is so bewildering that even literate and educated people are mistaken. At times, the same papers are accepted in one place but not in another. This makes you wonder if the unclear rules are on purpose, making people go back and forth for no reason.
Secondly, the big problem is the poor police check system in which police verification process seems to in an outdated way. Quite often, police officers ask futile questions and insisting on visiting the house many times or take too long to process the file, thereby causing stress and tension including wastage of precious time of the people applying.
Thirdly, online system has certain limits. The government says it has modernised the digital process yet the reality is quite different- lack of available of time slots and slow server speeds have created many new issues for the general public. Often, the appointment booking system faces difficulties for months, thereby creating issues for citizens.
Also, officials often misuse their power, which is a serious issue. Many times, applications are stopped for small mistakes, or people are asked for extra papers. This is unfair to the rights of citizens and makes you question how responsible the system is.
Thirdly, the most concerning thing is that during this process, people are treated like they have done something wrong, not as someone who needs help. It feels like the person applying has to prove they are honest at every step. This goes against the idea of a democracy where the government should make things easy for citizens.
Need of hour- It is time for the government to make sure the rules are clear, the police checks are open and honest, and the digital system truly works well for the passport process. Until these problems are fixed, getting a passport will be hard, not a right.
If “Ease of Living” and “Digital India” are taken into consideration by the government, it must first make processes like this easy for citizens, else the passport system will continue to raise serious doubts about the idea of a modern India.
About the Author
Mr. Shikhar is an advocate by profession. He holds an LL.M. degree from the United Kingdom and a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication. He mainly writes on social and legal issues. His primary area of practice is on the civil side at the High Court, Lucknow Bench, and he has more than 11 years of experience at the Bar.
Email: shikhar421@gmail.com
