After my visit to the passport office at Sastri Bhavan , Chennai few years back, I was weary of a re-visit, but I had little choice , as my passport is due for renewal. But, the experiences this time around, proved to be entirely different and pleasant.
For the first time, I applied online and the process was fairly simple. I wonder why only the Internet Banking of the State Bank of India is provided and for using non-SBI account a fee was also charged - avoidable. At least all the Nationalised banks could have been listed.
The process tested the nerves of the applicant as it logged out with some errors repeatedly , after accepting the payment terms and after multiple trials, it was done. Also, there was no choice of date or time and when the system allocates them , the applicant 'shall' accept them.
I opted for the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) at Saligramam and it was fairly decent, with good paid parking facilities. The always crowded waiting hall badly requires air-conditioning, as the symbolic fans installed were serving little in this sweltering Chennai summer. Some boards or directions on the subsequent stages of activities could help the applicants as people were seen standing at the wrong line only to realize it after lapse of considerable time. Fortunately, when once you are admitted in to the PSK from the waiting hall, the whole place has AC and it was a relief.
First stage was the initial screening of your application and it took me a while to figure out what to do with the file folder thrust into my hands, at the end of that interaction.. After a two second body-search , I was led into a more spacious hall, seating about 300 people where I was asked to wait for the issue of a token. Though the hall was cool, work wise it was in a mess. A lone guy sitting at the farthest corner of the huge hall kept calling names and people have to run to him to collect the token. The hall was so noisy with the children playing around and the coffee vending machine trying always to raise itself above the voice of that official. They could use a Mic for better reach.
Not sure as to why old people, mothers with babe-in-arms and small kids could not be prioritized and given preference. At least for me, just few tokens behind me , a kid kept wailing inconsolably and it was a pity to see that mother struggling to manage the kid. Since, it was behind me , I was kept this company through out my entire sojourn at PSK for the day !
It was then things started moving more smoothly though the typical 'anarchy' still persisted wherever possible. The three step process of moving through counters was fairly well managed though not all the entrants could get seats. Either they could provide seats for all admitted inside or regulate the entry according to the seats available. Otherwise, people were seen everywhere obstructing even the view of the TV Monitors which one has to follow closely to track one's token. It was a relief to come out after collecting the acknowledgement from the loquacious security who delivered unsolicited advice on why one should not approach the touts and agents !
Passport delivery was a breeze. On the same night of my personal appearance at the PSK, I received an email about the Police verification details. The next day I was informed that my passport has been couriered along with all details and within 48 hours of my tryst with PSK , I did receive the passport , hand delivered at home by Speed Post !!
Compared to my previous experience where there was no chair to sit, no proper directions and the chaos around, the experience this time was far more improved and pleasant. Tracking system, guidance and the use of technology has brought considerable relief to the public. There is room for improvement, but I am not complaining as they are towards betterment. Things appear to be promising and I am confident we are in for better Seva at these Kendras!
Here are my one rupee worth tips:
For the first time, I applied online and the process was fairly simple. I wonder why only the Internet Banking of the State Bank of India is provided and for using non-SBI account a fee was also charged - avoidable. At least all the Nationalised banks could have been listed.
The process tested the nerves of the applicant as it logged out with some errors repeatedly , after accepting the payment terms and after multiple trials, it was done. Also, there was no choice of date or time and when the system allocates them , the applicant 'shall' accept them.
I opted for the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) at Saligramam and it was fairly decent, with good paid parking facilities. The always crowded waiting hall badly requires air-conditioning, as the symbolic fans installed were serving little in this sweltering Chennai summer. Some boards or directions on the subsequent stages of activities could help the applicants as people were seen standing at the wrong line only to realize it after lapse of considerable time. Fortunately, when once you are admitted in to the PSK from the waiting hall, the whole place has AC and it was a relief.
First stage was the initial screening of your application and it took me a while to figure out what to do with the file folder thrust into my hands, at the end of that interaction.. After a two second body-search , I was led into a more spacious hall, seating about 300 people where I was asked to wait for the issue of a token. Though the hall was cool, work wise it was in a mess. A lone guy sitting at the farthest corner of the huge hall kept calling names and people have to run to him to collect the token. The hall was so noisy with the children playing around and the coffee vending machine trying always to raise itself above the voice of that official. They could use a Mic for better reach.
Not sure as to why old people, mothers with babe-in-arms and small kids could not be prioritized and given preference. At least for me, just few tokens behind me , a kid kept wailing inconsolably and it was a pity to see that mother struggling to manage the kid. Since, it was behind me , I was kept this company through out my entire sojourn at PSK for the day !
It was then things started moving more smoothly though the typical 'anarchy' still persisted wherever possible. The three step process of moving through counters was fairly well managed though not all the entrants could get seats. Either they could provide seats for all admitted inside or regulate the entry according to the seats available. Otherwise, people were seen everywhere obstructing even the view of the TV Monitors which one has to follow closely to track one's token. It was a relief to come out after collecting the acknowledgement from the loquacious security who delivered unsolicited advice on why one should not approach the touts and agents !
Passport delivery was a breeze. On the same night of my personal appearance at the PSK, I received an email about the Police verification details. The next day I was informed that my passport has been couriered along with all details and within 48 hours of my tryst with PSK , I did receive the passport , hand delivered at home by Speed Post !!
Here are my one rupee worth tips:
- Online booking is straight forward and simple. No need to go through any agents.
- It is enough if you are at the PSK 15 minutes before your reporting time. Otherwise, you will unnecessarily be undergoing the torture of waiting in undesirable environment.
- Go through the instructions and carry all the documents required. Though there is a photo copying machine placed, its not worth standing in that long line. Better carry everything in advance.
- The security check at PSK is a joke and I was cursing myself for not carrying my iPad. Some reading material is a must considering the waiting time at every stage!
- Total time inside the PSK though specified as two hours, could go up to three. Be armed with water/juice and some snacks. These are also available inside but could cost you a small fortune.
- Be vigilant as many seem to drop their passport or vital documents in their anxiety and excitement.
- Remember to collect the acknowledgment, before you leave the Kendra.
