Journalism of Courage
Students often find it difficult to produce some of their original documents when they apply for passports. The reason is that the original certificates are deposited with their educational institutions. The Regional Passport Officer has brought some cheer for students. The department has relaxed the rules.
So far, original documents had to be produced by applicants for verification during the process of issue of passports. Atul Gotsurve, Regional Passport Officer, Saturday said that in view of the genuine difficulty faced by students unable to produce original documents as they are with educational institutions, the Ministry of External Affairs decided to waive the mandatory requirement of producing originals of such documents.
“In such cases, applicants can submit a certificate from the recognised educational institutions where he or she is studying that original documents are retained with the institution. The applicant should produce photocopies of such documents attested by the educational institution along with a copy of identity card issued by the institution,” said Gotsurve.
The MEA added that in case doubts are raised on genuineness of the certificate, the passport authorities will conduct a verification with the issuing authority. The decision of the Passport Issuing Authority will be final, the release said.
Deepak Borawake, a third year Bachelor of Arts (Economics) student of Fergusson College, welcomed the move saying it addresses a genuine difficulty faced by the students.
“I have been planning to apply for a passport but was advised to wait till I finish graduation and get my original certificates back since they are checked at the passport office. Now I can immediately apply for a passport,” said Borawake.
