TCS, MEA launch passport Seva Kendra in Delhi

NEW DELHI: The country's largest software exporter Tata Consultancy Services in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced the launch of a centre for application and issuance of passport in the National Capital Region.

TCS had bagged the mission mode e-governance project, Passport Seva Project, from the MEA in October, 2008.

Out of the 77 passport seva kendras (PSKs) to be set up, 50 PSKs have gone live across the country, TCS said. The first pilot project was launched in Bangalore.

The project is expected to speed up the process of issue of new passport to three working days, subject to police verification.

"Mission-mode e-governance projects like Passport Seva Project showcase's how effectively a partnership model can work to provide technology-led, citizen-centric best-in-class services to Indian citizens. We are delighted to partner with the MEA in this important national initiative," TCS CEO and Managing Director N Chandrasekaran told reporters here.

Chandrasekaran said that the remaining PSKs will be set up by April this year. TCS will maintain the PSKs for 7 years and the maintenance period starts after the roll-out of the last center, he added.