New Delhi/Chandigarh, April 2, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Member of Rajya Sabha, Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal, strongly raised the issue of widespread corruption, bribery, and public harassment in passport offices across the country. He brought this serious matter to the attention of the central government through a written question.
In response, Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, informed that significant action has been taken in corruption-related cases over the past five years (2021–2025). During this period, 30 passport officials have been suspended, while the process of prosecuting 97 officials is underway. Additionally, 13 officials received minor penalties and 2 were given major punishments. Investigations have also been conducted in 19 passport offices across the country.
According to region-wise data, in Jalandhar, 2 officials were suspended and action has been initiated against 2 others. In Chandigarh, 1 official was suspended and action is ongoing against another. The highest number of cases were reported in Madurai and Mumbai, where action has been initiated against 29 and 15 officials respectively, while 3 officials in Mumbai were also suspended.
On this occasion, Sant Seechewal stated that this is not just an issue of corruption, but a sensitive matter related to the dignity and rights of common citizens. He emphasized that people are forced to make repeated visits to passport offices for basic services, and in many cases, are compelled to pay bribes, which is deeply concerning.
He urged the central government to make passport services fully transparent, eliminate the role of middlemen, and ensure strict action against guilty officials. He further stated that citizens of the country should not have to face any inconvenience or exploitation while obtaining passports.
FOLLOW NOW
