How to get faster 'Out-of-Turn' passports without extra fee
Passport applications are becoming easier to obtain, thanks to the NDA government. Verification by the police following passport issuance is one modification it has implemented. The "Tatkaal" program, in addition to the regular scheme, would be used to issue these "Out-of-Turn" passports. The External Affairs Ministry (MEA) implemented this following multiple grievances regarding police verification delays and bribery demands.
How does the process work?
Explaining the process, Passport Officer Bharat Kumar said that this scheme will be valid for first-time applicants too. Appointment would have to be sought normally or through Tatkaal. In the former case, there would be no extra cost. They will have to mention on the form that they are opting for the Out-of-Turn scheme. Apart from required documents, no proof of urgency is required.
What documents are needed for 'Out-of-Turn' passports?
For this, applicants aged over 18 will mandatorily have to submit Aadhaar and a self-declaration prescribed in Passport Rules, 1980. Apart from that, they can submit any two documents out of Voter ID, PAN, bank passbook, caste certificate, driving license, ration card etc. Those under 18 can submit any one of student ID, birth certificate or ration card, apart from Aadhaar and the self-declaration.
You can speed it up further under the 'Tatkaal' scheme
The 'Out-of-Turn' service is available under the Tatkaal scheme too, under which the applicant will be prioritized in appointments and printing of passports. An additional fee will be levied. If everything is found satisfactory, passports will be issued within three days from date of application.
How will the scheme help applicants?
This will be handy particularly for applicants in rural regions, where police verification often takes more than a month. This will also help those looking to leave the country for urgent work, including admission, jobs or medical procedures. With this, the MEA hopes to check situations where even Tatkaal applicants have had to wait for more than 10 days for appointments.
