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There’s some good news for passport applicants from the state, particularly those in Bengaluru. With the introduction of Passport Seva Programme (PSP) version 2.0 and the launch of the much-anticipated chip-enabled e-passport, processing time for this all-important travel document is expected to be reduced by half by this year-end.
As part of the rollout, while the Regional Passport Office here is gearing up for PSP 2.0, powered by Tata Consultancy Services, the two Passport Seva Kendras (PSK) in the city are also set for major infrastructure and software upgrades, resulting in the application process being reduced by half from what now takes about four to five working days.
Expected to be launched by November-December this year, sources said the new version of the software will have a hi-tech document validation process.
The much-sought-after H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. Technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China. The H-1B visas are issued for three years at a time.
In May 2010, PSP 1.0 was introduced in Bengaluru and Chandigarh as a pilot project, before it was made available to the rest of the country by 2012With PSP 2.0, Bengaluru could yet again set to be the standard-bearer for an upgraded passport service and an advanced version of the travel document in the country.
Last month, S Jaishankar, the external affairs minister, had announced that PSP Version 2.0 will help ensure EASE – meaning, enhanced passport services using a digital eco-system, artificial intelligence-powered service delivery, smoother overseas travel using e-passports and enhanced data security. “PSP 2.0 will revolutionise passport processing, mainly in Bengaluru where we receive nearly 1,700 applications at the Lalbagh Road centre and close to 900 at the Marathahalli facility,” a senior officer said.
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