External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar announced major advancements in the Passport Seva Programme (PSP) and the nationwide rollout of e-Passports on the occasion of the 13th Passport Seva Divas. The Minister informed that Passport Seva Programme Version 2.0 has already been rolled out across the country, with the aim of bringing in high-end, emerging technologies to improve efficiency and transparency. 

Jaishankar pointed out the big improvement in passport services, saying it follows the government’s key principles of ‘Seva (Service), Sushasan (Good Governance), and Garib Kalyan (Welfare of the Poor). It is important for building a developed India. These three principles guide our work and are seen in our Passport Service Program,’ he said. 

Greetings to all Passport Authorities in India and abroad on the occasion of the 13th Passport Seva Divas.

Your commendable efforts, guided by ‘Seva, Sushasan and Garib Kalyan’, are instrumental to ensuring ease of travel, deepening access to global workplace and empowering the… pic.twitter.com/pDn53sjyyJ

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) June 24, 2025

What is Passport Seva 2.0?

The PSP-V2.0 builds upon and enhances the PSP-V1.0, an e-Governance initiative that revolutionized passport services for citizens. Its primary focus was on creating a timely, transparent, more accessible, and reliable platform, allowing citizens to access services in a comfortable environment through streamlined processes, supported by a committed, trained, and motivated workforce. The project design ensured a clear division of responsibilities, where the Service Provider handled support functions such as citizen interface, technology backbone, call centers, training, and change management, while the Government retained all sovereign and security-related functions in the passport issuance process.

What is E-Passport?

An e-passport, also known as an electronic passport, is a conventional passport embedded with a microchip that securely stores the holder’s personal and biometric data, including a digital photo and fingerprints. This chip adheres to International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards, significantly boosting security and simplifying the immigration process.

What’s in it for You: Benefits of PSP-V2.0

The benefits of PSP-V2.0, or Passport Seva Programme Version 2.0, include.

• Enhanced Citizen Experience: A state-of-the-art digital ecosystem simplifies passport-related services, making them more accessible and user-friendly.
• Improved Security: e-Passports with embedded microchips storing biometric data provide an additional layer of security, reducing the risk of identity theft and fraud.
• Better Technology: Upgraded technology and adoption of best practices ensure a more seamless experience for citizens.
• Strengthened Data Security: PSP-V2.0 prioritizes data security, protecting sensitive citizen information.
• PSP-V2.0 is expected to benefit from – Real-Time Reporting: Providing insights into transactions and processes, enabling better decision-making.
• Improved Service Delivery: Leveraging technology to deliver services more efficiently and effectively.