Over 52 lakh passports were issued across the country in 2010-11. In addtion six lakh passport related services were provided in the same period.

Inaugurating the Passport officers conference in New Delhi today, the External Affairs Minster S M Krishna called for making the passport service more transparent, prompt and user friendly.

He said, this has to be in conformity with the best international standards and practices. The Minister added that the demand for passports will grow in view of globalization and elaborate plans need to be chalked out to provide the service to citizens.

Referring to the large number of complaints received by the passport offices, he stressed the need to accord greater accountability in the system.

Mr. Krishna said that passport seva kendras can play an important role in this direction. He added 30 out of 70 passport Seva kendras are operational now and the rest will be functioning by the end of next year.

The Minister sought support from passport officers for greater success of the passport seva project.

He said delay in verification for issuing passports has been taken up with the Home Ministry and State governments and urged passport officers to keep close liaison with state agencies responsible for verification, to avoid delays.

The conference has been organized to prepare more efficient mechanism for better delivery of passport services.