What is the role of PSK and RPO in passport issuance?

Navigating the Indian passport application process requires a clear understanding of the institutions involved. Two key entities that play crucial roles are the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) and the Regional Passport Office (RPO). While both work in unison under the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), their functions, authority levels, and responsibilities differ significantly.

This comprehensive article explains the roles of PSK and RPO, how they function, and why both are essential pillars of India’s modern passport issuance system.

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Understanding the Passport Seva Ecosystem

The Passport Seva Project, initiated by the Government of India, aimed to simplify and digitize the passport issuance process. It introduced a two-tier system:

1. Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) – Front-end service centers for citizens

2. Regional Passport Offices (RPOs) – Back-end administrative and supervisory units

Together, they enable a seamless, transparent, and efficient passport service to millions of Indian citizens.

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What is the Role of Passport Seva Kendra (PSK)?

The Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) functions as the public-facing front-end of the passport application process. These centers are established across India to provide applicants with an organized and user-friendly environment.

Key Responsibilities of PSKs:

1. Document Verification

At PSKs, trained officials verify your original documents and cross-check them with the application form. If discrepancies are found, the applicant is either guided to correct them or advised to reapply.

2. Biometric Data Capture

PSKs are equipped with modern systems to capture:

• Photographs

• Fingerprints

• Digital signatures

This biometric data is a mandatory part of the application and is sent to the central passport database.

3. Application Processing

Each applicant goes through a three-stage process at PSK:

• Counter A: Initial document verification and token issue

• Counter B: Biometric data collection and form validation

• Counter C: Final review by the Granting Officer

Once this process is completed, the application is either granted or put on hold for additional verification.

4. Customer Support and Guidance

PSKs offer professional assistance, helpdesks, and grievance redressal for applicants who face issues during the passport process. Staff are trained to answer queries, assist senior citizens, and help with special cases like Tatkal or minor passports.

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What is the Role of the Regional Passport Office (RPO)?

The Regional Passport Office (RPO) is the authoritative and administrative unit of passport issuance in India. Every PSK operates under the jurisdiction of a specific RPO, which is responsible for overseeing, approving, and finalizing passport-related decisions.

Key Responsibilities of RPOs:

1. Supervisory Control Over PSKs

RPOs monitor and manage the functioning of PSKs, ensuring standard procedures, service quality, and compliance with MEA protocols are followed.

2. Final Decision-Making Authority

The final approval or rejection of a passport application lies with the RPO. Although PSKs handle preliminary scrutiny, the RPO holds the legal authority to:

• Issue

• Revoke

• Cancel

• Suspend passport applications based on findings from police verification or document authenticity.

3. Police Verification Coordination

RPOs coordinate with local police departments to initiate, monitor, and record police verification reports (PVRs). Based on the PVR status:

• Clearance leads to passport issuance

• Adverse reports lead to rejection or further investigation

4. Handling Complex and Escalated Cases

Cases involving:

• Name changes

• Criminal background

• Multiple addresses

• Lost/damaged passports

• Adoption or guardianship

• Court orders

are handled directly by the RPO for detailed scrutiny and final judgment.

5. Conducting Passport Melas and Outreach Programs

RPOs organize Passport Melas, Special Camps, and Outreach Drives to extend passport services to remote areas, often in collaboration with PSKs or India Post (POPSKs).

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Difference Between PSK and RPO

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How PSK and RPO Work Together

1. Applicant visits Passport Seva Portal, fills out the form, and books an appointment at a PSK.

2. At PSK, documents are verified, biometrics captured, and application is reviewed.

3. Application is forwarded to the RPO for final decision and police verification.

4. RPO reviews PVR and takes a decision: Granted, Rejected, or Put on Hold.

5. Upon approval, passport is printed and dispatched by RPO.

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What Happens After Approval?

Once the RPO approves the application:

• Passport is printed at the central printing facility

• Dispatched to the applicant's address via India Post Speed Post

• SMS and email updates are sent to the registered mobile and email ID

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Who Should Contact PSK vs RPO?

• Contact PSK for:

  • Application appointments

  • Document clarification

  • Biometric issues

  • Rescheduling appointments

• Contact RPO for:

  • Complex cases

  • Legal or criminal record disclosures

  • Appeals or escalations

  • Non-delivery or passport cancellation issues

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