Passport Alert: Government Makes This Certificate Mandatory!

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu) : In a significant move, the Indian government has announced that a Police Verification Certificate (PVC) will be mandatory for all passport applicants, effective immediately. The decision, aimed at enhancing national security and preventing identity fraud, will require applicants to undergo police verification before their passport applications are processed.

What is a Police Verification Certificate?

A Police Verification Certificate is a document issued by the police department, verifying an individual's identity, address, and background. The certificate is typically required for various purposes, including employment, education, and travel.

New Passport Rules

According to the new rules, passport applicants will need to submit a Police Verification Certificate along with their application. The certificate must be issued by the police department of the applicant's residence or workplace. The government has also introduced a new online system for police verification, which will enable applicants to upload their PVC documents electronically.

Rationale Behind the Move

The government has cited national security concerns and the need to prevent identity fraud as the primary reasons for making the PVC mandatory. "The Police Verification Certificate is an essential document that helps us verify an individual's identity and background," said a senior government official. "This move will help us prevent identity fraud and ensure that passports are issued only to genuine applicants."

Impact on Passport Applicants

The new rule is expected to affect millions of passport applicants across the country. While some applicants may view the additional requirement as an inconvenience, others welcome the move as a necessary step to enhance national security.