MEA and Department of Posts Renew MoU to Expand Passport Services Through Post Offices

New Delhi: In a landmark step to enhance the accessibility of passport services, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Department of Posts have renewed their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for another five years. The agreement, signed by Manisha Bansal Badal, General Manager of the Business Development Directorate, and Dr. K.J. Srinivasa, Joint Secretary (PSP & CPO) at the MEA, reinforces their joint commitment to providing world-class passport services through the Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs).

The POPSK initiative, launched in 2017, has been instrumental in delivering passport services to over 1.52 crore citizens, particularly in rural and underserved areas. From an initial setup, the network has grown to 442 centres nationwide, reflecting a significant step in ensuring broader accessibility.

With the renewed MoU, the collaboration between the MEA and the Department of Posts aims to scale up the number of POPSKs to 600 by 2028-29. This expansion will increase the annual customer base from the current 35 lakh to an ambitious 1 crore, making passport services more accessible and efficient for millions of Indians.

The renewed agreement highlights a shared focus on improving service delivery, streamlining operations, and addressing the increasing demand for passport-related services. By leveraging India’s extensive postal network, the initiative seeks to make the passport issuance process more convenient and reliable, strengthening citizen-centric governance.

This collaboration between two pivotal government departments underscores the importance of synergy in public service delivery. It reflects the government’s dedication to ensuring that every citizen, regardless of location, has seamless access to essential services.