Nagpur: The Regional Passport Office (RPO) in Nagpur has faced a significant setback as nearly 250 passports were recalled due to incorrect postal addresses. This error has plunged many applicants into uncertainty regarding their overseas travel plans. The RPO is currently grappling with the aftermath, as affected individuals are forced to make trips to Nagpur to collect their corrected passports.
The RPO in Nagpur has recalled approximately 250 passports after discovering that they were marked with incorrect postal addresses. This includes passports issued through both regular and tatkal schemes. The situation escalated on Monday at the RPO’s premises in the Central Government Office (CGO) complex, Seminary Hills. Aggrieved applicants, facing the prospect of delayed travel plans, gathered at the facility and voiced their frustrations, demanding expedited processing of their passports.
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Some applicants alleged that they were unable to secure immediate appointments due to technical glitches in the system. Regular appointments are reportedly scheduled only after July 1, while tatkal appointments are available for May 20.
Kshitij Gurav, the Regional Passport Officer, acknowledged the issues and attributed them to system upgrades aimed at enhancing service quality. He mentioned that approximately 100 passports had incorrect addresses due to barcode-related issues, which were subsequently rectified and dispatched. However, only 20% of passport applicants are reportedly facing problems, exacerbated by the full booking of available slots during the holiday season.
Reports have pointed fingers at a new software trial conducted by private consultant TCS, operating from their Delhi office, as the root cause of the lapse. This suggests that the situation might persist until the software issues are effectively addressed.
The passport chaos in Nagpur underscores the importance of robust systems and meticulous oversight in government operations, particularly those involving sensitive documents like passports. As affected individuals navigate the inconvenience caused by the recall, the RPO’s efforts to rectify the situation and expedite passport processing are crucial in restoring public trust and ensuring smooth travel experiences for applicants.
