Passport Seva Divas 2025: India’s Leap Towards Smart and Citizen-Friendly Passport Services

On June 24, 2025, India celebrated Passport Seva Divas, commemorating the enactment of the Passports Act of 1967. This day is a tribute to the tireless efforts of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the Central Passport Organisation (CPO), and all stakeholders involved in transforming India’s passport services into a global benchmark for efficiency, innovation, and citizen-centric delivery.

What is Passport Seva Divas?

The History Behind the Day

Passport Seva Divas is observed every year on June 24 to mark the day the Passports Act came into effect in 1967. This act laid the legal foundation for the issuance of passports and travel documents to Indian citizens and established the framework for safeguarding national security through international travel regulation.

Significance in Modern India

In today’s globalized world, a passport is more than just a travel document—it is a gateway to education, employment, medical care, migration, and global exposure. The MEA's commitment to modernize passport issuance reflects the government’s larger vision of Digital India and citizen empowerment.

Major Highlights of Passport Seva Divas 2025

Inauguration of the Regional Passport Officers Conference 2025

This year, Passport Seva Divas 2025 coincided with a three-day RPO Conference (June 23–25, 2025), attended by 37 Regional Passport Officers and senior officials from the Central Passport Organisation. The focus of the conference was on:

• Implementation of Passport Seva Programme (PSP) V2.0

• Nationwide rollout of e-Passports

• Enhancing grievance redressal systems

• Improving security protocols and cyber-risk mitigation

• Training and HR development

Inspirational Speeches by Key Leaders:

Dr. S. Jaishankar – External Affairs Minister

In his video address, EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar highlighted the transformational journey of India’s passport services:

“From 9.1 million passports issued in 2014 to 14.6 million in 2024, we have achieved an unprecedented growth. Through PSP V2.0 and e‑Passports, we aim to bring world-class, secure, and accessible passport services to every Indian citizen.”

Shri Pabitra Margherita – Minister of State for External Affairs

MoS Margherita, who attended the conference in person, underlined the affordability, transparency, and inclusivity of the passport delivery system. He lauded the innovative steps taken by the MEA, especially in rural outreach and environmental sustainability.

Technological Transformation in Passport Services:

Passport Seva Programme (PSP) Version 2.0

PSP V2.0 is a flagship modernization project aimed at:

• Reducing processing time

• Strengthening data security and biometrics

• Improving backend automation and integration

• Enabling AI-based tracking and citizen support

Global Passport Seva Programme (GPSP)

The GPSP extends India’s digital passport services to Indian Missions and Posts abroad. This allows Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and overseas citizens to enjoy seamless, tech-driven passport services.

Introduction of e-Passports

One of the most revolutionary developments is the e-Passport, which contains:

• Embedded RFID chip

• Digitally signed security features

• Enhanced verification speed at immigration counters

The full-scale rollout is expected to cover all passport applicants by the end of 2025.

Growth at a Glance: Passport Seva in Numbers

Year	Passports Issued
2014	91 lakh (9.1 million)
2024	1.46 crore (14.6 million)

This exponential growth underscores the success of digital transformation, service expansion, and decentralization via Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs).

Sustainability and Inclusivity in Focus:

Green Passport Seva Kendras

Several PSKs and RPOs have incorporated eco-friendly initiatives:

• Solar energy installations

• Rainwater harvesting systems

• TRIFED outlets for tribal products

• Community libraries and help desks

Focus on Rural and Tribal Areas

More POPSKs are being opened in tier-2 and tier-3 towns, ensuring citizens don’t have to travel long distances. Tribal areas are being supported with employment and awareness programs through partnerships with local bodies.

Recognizing Service Excellence

As part of the 2025 event, MoS Margherita distributed awards and commendations to:

• RPOs with exceptional public service records

• Officers and officials with outstanding contributions

• Collaborating institutions like India Post and NIC

These recognitions are intended to boost morale and encourage innovation and empathy in public service.

The Road Ahead - What to Expect:

Full e-Passport Implementation

By 2026, every new passport issued in India is expected to be an e-Passport, offering greater convenience and safety for international travellers.

AI-Driven Grievance Systems

AI chatbots, biometric feedback, and automated response systems will streamline citizen communication and issue resolution.

Multilingual Support & Accessibility

Digital platforms will continue to expand in regional languages, ensuring barrier-free access for all demographics.

Conclusion

Passport Seva Divas 2025 is not just a celebration—it’s a milestone in India’s journey toward accessible, secure, and digital-first governance. From the introduction of e‑Passports to PSP V2.0, the focus remains clear: empower citizens, protect identity, and modernize every aspect of passport delivery.

As India continues to embrace technology and innovation, the humble passport is becoming a symbol of progress, inclusion, and trust.