The Ministry of External Affairs has decided to make few changes to the passport application process. In a release yesterday, the ministry said that even sadhus and sanyasis can apply to the passport with their guru name in lieu of parents name. Though the spiritual guru name is accepted, the spiritual guru name must be mentioned in the place of Mother and Father. They also have to provide an Election Photo Identity Card (EPIC) issued by the Election Commission of India. This includes PAN Card, Aadhar Card wherein the guru’s name is included in place of parents name.
The statement also said that Aadhar card or an e-Aadhar card will be accepted as birth certificate proof.
Other Changes also include:
1. For Passport Application, a digitally signed marriage and birth certificates can be used as legal documents for marriage and birth certificate proof.
2. After a passport has been issued, if there are changes required in the documents regarding the date of birth the passport issuing authorities will consider this request. This change can be applied irrespective of any time period of issuing. Previously the change of DOB was allowed within five years after the passport was issued. It also involved a lot of paper work which has now been relaxed.
3. The Ministry is also considering the possibility of making changes in the Passport rules that were laid down in 1980 so that the documentation can be made an easy process.
4. Also, the first time applicants who can provide Aadhar card, Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC), PAN card and a police statement of clear record will get faster passport services.
