In a first, mobile passport van to be deployed to process applications under Kozhikode RPO
The Hindu
Mobile passport van deployed in Kerala to process applications on-site, enhancing accessibility and efficiency for residents in remote areas.
For the first time in Kerala, a mobile passport van equipped with biometric capturing devices will be deployed on-site to process passport applications under the jurisdiction of the Regional Passport Office (RPO), Kozhikode.
The innovative move by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) aims to reduce travel distances, enhance efficiency, and increase accessibility to passport services, especially for those in remote and far-flung areas.
Regional Passport Officer K. Arunmohan said the mobile passport van would be first utilised in Wayanad district, where RPO, Kozhikode, in collaboration with the district administration of Wayanad, is organising special passport camp at the Meppadi grama panchayat office on September 28 and 29.
The special drive aims to provide doorstep passport services to residents, particularly benefiting the elderly, differently abled individuals, and those severely impacted by the recent landslides.
Over 100 applicants are expected to benefit from the camp.
He said the key benefits of the initiative included reduced travel burden to Passport Seva Kendras and Post Office Passport Seva Kendras, and increased accessibility so that services reach the doorstep of residents in remote areas.
The initiative aims to improve the passport issuance process by bringing services closer to people, alleviating travel burdens, and ensuring timely assistance for those who need it most, Mr. Arunmohan said.
BJP leaders claim local body poll results mark the end of LDF's decade-long rule in Kerala, citing corruption and failures.
Lionel Messi's event organiser detained in Kolkata after fan violence; refunds promised amid ongoing investigation, says West Bengal DGP.
UDF gains traction in Kozhikode local body polls, challenging LDF's long-standing dominance while NDA also makes notable advances.
Police arrest 23-year-old Subhan Khan, a murder suspect who absconded for 14 months, after his confession in Bhalswa Dairy case.
East Coast Railway operates special trains between Visakhapatnam and SMVT Bengaluru to accommodate festival passenger rush.
An IndiGo flight experienced a tail strike during landing at Ranchi airport, but all 70 passengers were unharmed.
Shivraj Patil's last rites held with State honors in Latur, attended by prominent political leaders and dignitaries.
G.K. Vasan accuses DMK of exploiting welfare schemes for votes, urging vigilance against governance reduced to electoral tactics.
Shah Rukh Khan meets Lionel Messi in Kolkata
The FDA approves two new drugs for gonorrhoea treatment, with Dr. Reddy’s to market one in Thailand and South Africa.
BJP secures third consecutive term in Palakkad municipality, winning 25 out of 53 seats despite internal challenges.
The new restaurant in Bengaluru has fresh pasta, sourdough pizzas and other specialties from the regions of Campania, Sicily, Puglia and Naples
Started by the creators of Record Room, 33&BREW is India’s first vinyl microbrewery. It has good music, and a menu by noted chef Sabyasachi Gorai