Passport Seva Divas is celebrated every year on 24 June across India to commemorate the enactment of the Passports Act, 1967, which was enacted on 24 June 1967.
- The day underscores the government’s commitment to delivering efficient and citizen-focused passport services, often marked by conferences, recognitions, and key announcements aimed at enhancing overall service quality.
- 24 June 2025 marks the 13th Passport Seva Divas.
Background:
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) declared 24 June as Passport Seva Divas in 2013, and it has been observed annually since then, marking over a decade of celebrations dedicated to enhancing citizen-centric passport services in India.
2025 Events:
On June 24, 2025, Union Minister S. Jaishankar, MEA launched the Passport Seva Programme (PSP) Version 2.0, mobile (m) Passport Police Application(app) and rolled out the nationwide implementation of electronic (e)-passports, during the 13th Passport Seva Divas celebrations, held in New Delhi, Delhi.
- The event coincided with a three-day Regional Passport Officers Conference from June 23-25, 2025, organized by the MEA.
Key Points:
i.PSP 2.0 has been deployed across India, using advanced technologies such as cloud-native computing, Artificial Intelligence (AI) to streamline services.
- It replaces the PSP, launched in 2010, and ensures real-time data exchange, performance monitoring, and faster processing.
ii.With advanced technologies for data management and automation, the new system ensures smoother processing, reduced waiting times, and enhanced user experience.
- Pilot testing of PSP 2.0 has begun in Indian embassies and consulates and will be rolled out in phases.
iii.e-passports are equipped with Radio Frequency Identity (RFID), contactless chips, for faster immigration and enhanced security.
- Citizens using e-passports can expect quicker clearance at international entry and exit points, improving their travel experience while ensuring data protection integrity.
iv.The m Passport Police app has helped reduce police verification time from 15-20 days to 5-7 days in 25 states and Union Territories (UT).
Points to Note:
- Passport issuance in India increased significantly from over 91 lakh in 2014 to 1.46 crore in 2024.
- In the last one year, 10 new Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs) have been inaugurated, including the 450th POPSK in Kushinagar, UP.
About Ministry of External Affairs (MEA):
Union Minister – S. Jaishankar (Rajya Sabha – Gujarat)
Minister of State (MoS) – Kirti Vardhan Singh (Constituency – Gonda, Uttar Pradesh, UP); Pabitra Margherita (Rajya Sabha – Assam)
