Nagaland gets passport office

A long-felt felt need for a passport office in Nagaland became a reality after the first Passport Seva Kendra(PSK) was formally inaugurated by union minister of state for external affairs, Gen.(retd)V.K.Singh at the DC’s office complex, New Chumukedima Friday.
Earlier people from Nagaland applying for passports had to travel some 300 kms to Guwahati to submit their applications and then undergo a waiting period.
 Speaking after unveiling the commemorative plaque, the Gen.Singh expressed happiness at being in Nagaland for inaugurating the passport office. He said the new PSK was one of the most significant achievement for Nagaland, which he said, would help change the interface of the government for the welfare of the people of the state.
The union minister also informed that the Ministry of External Affairs(MEA) has plans to issue passports from the office for the applicants from Nagaland, within 15 days of submission.
He expressed the hope that the new PSK would deliver its best to the people by providing better services with active support from the state government. He also disclosed that Arunachal Pradesh would also have its new PSK shortly. With the opening up of the two PSKs in both states, Gen.Singh said all eight north eastern states would have PSK centres in the region.
Singh further said that apart from the issues related to MEA, the government of India would also especially ensure time-bound implementation of Centrally Sponsored Schemes and programmes in the state. Gen.Singh said solutions for development that were plenty that were needed to be done for the welfare of the public in general.
The minister said he was equally determined to ensure that Nagaland would be better than other states of the country with its rich, positive and prosperous cultural heritage.
Also speaking on the occasion, Nagaland chief minister T.R .Zeliang expressed gratitude to union minister for inaugurating the PSK . Zeliang said setting up of PSK was a big achievement and a step forward for the people of Nagaland, that would go a long way in fulfilling the need of the people.
Zeliang spoke of the advent of globalisation which has made the world smaller by the day, as movement of people across for trade and travel were facilitated by disappearing international boundaries. He said travel today,unlike in the past, has become a routine for both the rich but also the budget travellers,and which was the reason for more people applying for passports.
Appreciating the steps taken by the government of India for setting up the PSK in Dimapur, Zeliang also hoped that it would perform the prime responsibilities like issuing of the application form, collection of bio metric, of the applicants etc and coordination with the state police for verification.
The chief minister also mentioned that the process for obtaining passport took as long as two to three months, between submission of application at the passport office and verification by the Subsidiary Intelligence Bureau(SIB).
 He urged the authorities to abolish the system of additional verification by SIB as was being done in other states for prompt issuance of passport to the applicants. Zeliang also urged upon the union minister to take up the matter with authorities in the greater interests of the people of the state.
The chief minister also gave assurance on behalf of the state to extend every possible help and cooperation to ensure that the PSK would function smoothly and efficiently for the people of Nagaland.
Earlier introductory remark was delivered by joint secretary (PSP) & Chief Passport Officer (CPO) Muktesh Pardeshi . He informed that presently there were 37 passport offices and 86 PSK in the country issuing 1.2 crore passports annually which made India third after China and U.S. He also opined that in the coming days PSK will also connect with all police stations in order to deliver positive verification and result.
Those who also attended the function included Lok Sabha MP Neiphiu Rio, parliamentary secretary for school education Yitachu, parliamentary secretary border and skill development Mmhonlumo Kikon, parliamentary secretary youth resources and sports, Khriehu Liezietsu, DC Dimapur Kesonyu Yhome and other dignitaries.
The programme highlights included handling over passports to five selected applicants, Naga folk dance, welcome remark was delivered by RPO, Guwahati T. Ajungla Jamir and vote of thanks delivered by DPO, PSK, Dimapur M.S. Thangpong.