Search the Internet          Tips  Sites: Finance, Investment

Govt not to review hike in passport fees

The government on Wednesday ruled out any review of the enhancement of passport fees since the cost of issuing passports had gone up considerably since 1993, when the last revision had taken place, and because of the decentralisation of passport services.

This was stated in the Lok Sabha by Minister of State for External Affairs Omar Abdullah in a written reply.

The government has also expressed its concern to Russia over the increasing threats to Indian nationals in that country from young neo-Fascist elements or skinheads, the minister said. The issue has been taken up with the Russian ministry for foreign affairs.

He said that the Russian government had assured assistance in the matter and said appropriate measures would be taken in this regard.

The minister said in another reply that India was involved in bilateral dialogue with several countries including the United States for helping Afghanistan in various fields including Defence.

Meanwhile, the lease on the residence of the Indian High Commissioner in London which was renewed for 65 years in April 1990, is to be increased from the present £10,000 per annum to £20,000 per annum in its 22nd year and to £40,000 per annum in the 42nd year.

Abdullah said in reply to another question that there was no policy of reservations at the stage of postings abroad since reservations for scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and other backward classes are taken care of at the time of recruitment.

But, he said, conscious efforts are made towards appointment of officers belonging to these classes if they have the requisite background and seniority.

UNI

ALSO READ:
Steep hike in passport fees from April 1
The Rediff Budget Special
Money
Business News