Question : ONLINE PASSPORT APPLICATION THROUGH POST OFFICES

(a) whether the Government has launched online passport application service through the post offices on payment of fees;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the States in which the said service has been introduced;

(c) whether Government proposes to introduce the said services in every State including Rajasthan;

(d) if so, the details thereof and the time by which the said service is likely to be introduced throughout the country; and

(e) if not, the reasons therefor?

THE MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI RAVI SHANKAR PRASAD)

(a)& (b): A few Post Offices in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu Postal Circles/States have started the facility of online data entry of passport applications on payment of fee in co-ordination with Regional Passport Offices concerned.

(c) & (d): There is no proposal of the Department of Posts to extend this facility in other States at present.

(e): This is a pilot project.