Simplified passport processing by June '10: Min

The pilot project of Passport Seva, aimed at simplifying passport processing system, would be launched in Bangalore and Chandigarh in October and it would be rolled out across the country by June next year, the Rajya Sabha was told on Friday.

The pilot project would cover entire Karnataka and parts of Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh, external affairs minister S M Krishna said while replying to a discussion on the working of his ministry.

The project envisages creation of 77 Passport Seva Kendras  across the country, creation of call centre operating 24x7 in 17 languages and a centralised nationwide computerised system for issuance of passports, he said.

The project is scheduled to be rolled out throughout the country in three phases and expected to be completed by June next year, Krishna said.

The project, when completed, would substantially improve the level of passport-related services offered to people, he said adding this was one of the largest e-governance initiatives undertaken by the government.