The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) marked the enactment of the Passports Act in 1967 by celebrating Passport Seva Divas 2025 on June 24, 2025. The occasion was also accompanied by a three-day Regional Passport Officers (RPO) Conference from June 23-25, 2025.
In his message for the event, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar felicitated the Ministry for implementing PSP Version 2.0 along with the e-Passport project. The minister highlighted the significant progress made in the journey of passport services, from issuing 91 lakh passports in 2014 to 1.46 crore passports in 2024. This growth was attributed to various innovations such as the m-Police app, Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSK), and GPSP, which have streamlined passport delivery processes, making it faster and more convenient even in remote areas.
Minister of State for External Affairs, Shri Pabitra Margherita, presided over the celebration on June 24, 2025. In his address, he emphasized the inclusive nature and affordability of the current passport delivery service. He also praised the innovative efforts of Passport Offices, such as Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Limited (TRIFED) outlets, which promote tribal welfare, solar plants, and rainwater harvesting plants.
During his speech, Margherita expressed gratitude to Hon'ble Prime Minister and External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar for their inspiration and guidance towards reforms in passport delivery services. On this occasion, the MoS presented awards to officers, officials, and organizations that have contributed to increasing outreach and efficiency in passport delivery services.
The RPO Conference brought together 37 Passport Officers from across India and officials of the Central Passport Organization. The conference focused on several key issues, including Passport Seva Project Version 2.0, e-Passport rollouts, human resource development, capacity building, public grievance handling mechanisms, security-related concerns, and more. The aim was to deliver faster, secure, and hassle-free passport services to citizens.
The event marked an important milestone in the journey of passport services, showcasing the Ministry's commitment to innovation and inclusivity in its delivery processes.