The government is taking several measures to make the availability of passports easier to the people. They include the facility of online payment by credit cards and increasing the number of outlets to receive passport applications.

Talking to reporters in New Delhi on Wednesday, External Affairs Minister S M Krishna said, there is a proposal to open 40 passport seva kendras in addition to the planned 77. He said, attempts are also being made to reduce the pendency of passport cases by organising melas on Saturday and Sunday next. He said, steps have already been initiated to clear the backlog.

Referring to the special sittings held in the passport department on last Saturday and Sunday, he said, backlog has been partially cleared. Mr Krishna said, arrangements are being made to enable applicants to submit applications in printed form and it is expected to be operational from 1st of next month. He said, facility for online payment by credit cards is also being set up and talks are underway in this regard with the Finance Ministry.

AIR Correspondent reports that the capacity for receiving of applications is being increased from the current 35,000 to 42,000 per day.