India Marks 14th Passport Seva Divas

By GT24x7 Reporter · 24 June 2026 · GlobalToday24x7

India marks the anniversary of the Passports Act of 1967, which officially came into effect on June 24, establishing the legal framework for issuing passports and travel documents to Indian citizens.

What began decades ago as a complex, paper-heavy administrative hurdle has evolved into a global benchmark for digital governance.

In recent years, the Ministry of External Affairs alongside the Central Passport Organisation, has overhauled the application ecosystem.

The expansion of physical and digital touchpoints has drastically cut down processing times and brought services closer to rural and remote populations. From just 77 Passport Seva Kendras in 2014, India’s network has expanded to over 500 functional centers today.

As part of the ongoing Passport Seva Programme Version 2.0, the government is leaning heavily into cutting-edge technology. The nationwide rollout of biometric chip-enabled e-Passports is underway, aimed at securing data and accelerating immigration checks worldwide.

Furthermore, the ministry is deploying AI-driven grievance redressal platforms to assist citizens in real time.

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar extended greetings to all Passport Authorities in India and abroad on the occasion of the 14th Passport Seva Divas.

In a message posted on X, the Minister said that the rollout of Passport Seva Programme 2.0, introduction of chip-enabled e-Passports, opening of new PSKs and POPSKs, and record levels of passport issuance are enhancing ease of travel, expanding access to global opportunities, and empowering citizens.

He added that the team MEA reaffirms its commitment to keep making passport services delivery faster, more transparent and accessible, guided by the vision of ‘Surakshit Passport, Sugam Seva, Sashakt Nagrik’.