Question : SETTING UP OF PASSPORT SEVA KENDRAS

(a) the present status of setting up of Passport Offices/Passport Seva Kendras in the country including Chandigarh, Kerala and Vadodara;

(b) whether the Government has any proposals for modernisation/ renovation of the existing passport offices in the country particularly Trivandrum;

(c) if so, the details thereof and the action taken on the said proposals;

(d) the number of passport offices in India which are functioning in the rented buildings; and

(e) the steps taken by the Government to address the problem?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (DR. SHASHI THAROOR)

(a) There are 37 Regional Passport Offices/Passport Offices functioning across the country. Under the Passport Seva Project, 77 Passport Seva Kendras are proposed to be set up across the country including Chandigarh, Kerala and Vadodara.

(b) & (c) There is a proposal to upgrade IT infrastructure at Passport Offices in Hyderabad, Chennai, Ghaziabad and Thiruvananthapuram. Financial approvals have been obtained for the up-gradation. Other steps to modernize the facilities at Thiruvananthapuram are also being undertaken.

(d) 19.

(e) Ministry’s endeavour is to have all passport offices in government -owned buildings. Currently, at 9 places, land has been purchased and construction is on going.