PSP 2.0 to have hi-tech document validation process doing away with current manual processing by PSK staff. All fresh applicants and those seeking renewal will be eligible for e-passports
Bengaluru : Passport applicants from the Karnataka state, particularly those in Bengaluru there is some good news 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 according to sources here.
The Regional Passport Office here is gearing up for PSP 2.0, powered by Tata Consultancy Services, (TCS), the two Passport Seva Kendra (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 documents validation process. 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 2012.
With PSP 2.0 Silicon city Bengaluru is yet again set to be standard –bearer for an upgraded passport service and an advanced version of the travel document in the country.
Last month, External affairs minister S Jaishankar , had announced the 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” according to senior officer here.
