According to sources, the new standard operating procedure (SOP) mandates that local police officers must visit the applicant’s address to verify credentials, both for new passports and the renewal of existing ones. Officers will face departmental action if they make applicants visit police stations for verification.
If an applicant provides a rented address, the local police officer must physically verify it and notify the local police station of the permanent address. All relevant information must be collected and uploaded to the portal to avoid confusion regarding the applicant’s address.
Commissioner of Police Manoj Verma told the media on Saturday that police officers were instructed at a conference to address potential loopholes. Detailed discussions were held with senior officers from the passport office regarding the guidelines provided by the Ministry of Home Affairs and officers-in-charge have been briefed on the verification procedures they must follow, Verma added.
According to sources, police have been instructed to pay special attention to whether the applicant is from within West Bengal or from a neighbouring state, as well as to check for any criminal cases against them. All information provided by the applicant must be submitted to the passport office.
Director-General of Police Rajeev Kumar told the media on Sunday, “We have actively pursued changes to the old rules. At the local level, we have issued instructions and suggested a new system. Our officers have redesigned the process, ensuring a greater role for local police stations and senior officers. The superintendent of police will personally oversee the verification process to ensure all requirements are met.”
The DGP also pointed out that a 2018 notice issued by the Ministry of External Affairs allowed for minimal police involvement, indicating that the current situations in Bangladesh and other regions warrant a reassessment of this approach.
“There are several issues, such as software and passport distribution through the postal department, requiring collaboration among multiple agencies,” he added.
Officers at each Kolkata police station and the security control organisation (SCO) are involved in police verification, with most groundwork being conducted by local police. Last year, a user-friendly app was introduced to streamline communication between the passport office and the SCO, saving time in the verification process.