Phenomenal growth in number of Indians travelling abroad

Tirupati, Dec 23 (ANI): Emphasising that there has been rapid increase in the demand for passports and other miscellaneous services, External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna today said the number of Indians travelling abroad has shown phenomenal growth in recent years.

Inaugurating the Passport Seva Kendras in Andhra Pradesh, Krishna said: "With India's rising international profile, fast growing economy and our increasing integration with the global economy, the number of Indians travelling abroad has shown phenomenal growth in recent years. Apart from economic and employment reasons, more and more people are travelling abroad for education, tourism, pilgrimage and social visits."

"This, in turn, has resulted in rapid increase in demand for passports and other miscellaneous services. The number of passport applications at the national level has doubled since 2000," he added.

He further said the launch of Passport Seva Kendras is part of the Government's firm commitment to provide timely delivery of passport services to our fellow citizens.

" I take this opportunity to re-affirm the citizen-centric role of passport offices, by adopting measures which facilitate speedier service, greater convenience and comfort to the public at large," he added.

Emphasising that Andhra Pradesh is a pioneer in launch of various e-Governance initiatives, such as e-Seva and e-Procurement, Krishna said: ". In a similar vein, the Passport Seva Project launched by the Ministry of External Affairs is a flagship initiative of the Central Government under National e-Governance Plan to improve delivery of public services and overall governance."

"The Project incorporates the best of global practices in the passport issuance system including the establishment of PSKs. Through this Project, the Government of India is aiming to deliver all Passport-related services to the citizens in a timely, transparent, manner and a more accessible and comfortable environment," he added.

Krishna further extend confident that the comprehensive overhaul of passport delivery system through the Passport Seva Project will help in bringing 'Public Services Closer Home' in Andhra Pradesh and in other States.

"We also acknowledge the whole-hearted support that we have received from the Government and people of Andhra Pradesh in the timely execution of these transformative initiatives," he said. (ANI)