From today, fewer rules to get passports

Acquiring passports will be easier from Tuesday with the government revising guidelines for the purpose, which includes doing away with the requirement of police verification in case of reissue of the document. An applicant will now be required to furnish only three out of 14 documents as proof, including one with a photograph, as per the new guidelines aimed at reducing delays in issuance of passports.

A stamp of Emigration Check Not Required ECNR will also not be needed if an applicant is matriculate. Changes have also been effected with regard to Tatkal scheme, under which a passport will have to be issued within 14 days, rather than 20 days as per the existing rules. A Tatkal passport may also be issued within seven days, if the applicant pays Rs 500 extra. Issue of passport will have to be done within three days.