No compromise on security of passport mobile app: MEA

New Delhi: There has been no compromise on security aspects concerning passport applications through the new mobile app and any attempt to get fake passports made from cyber cafes will be rejected, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said on Thursday.

Replying to a query during Question Hour in the Rajya Sabha, Swaraj said "all security measures" were being followed and once the data centre receives the application, it will be automatically deleted from the sender's mobile.

Likewise, the data centre automatically rejects fraudulent applications filed through cyber cafes etc., she said, adding that all security measures which are adhered to in advanced nations were being followed here.

The External Affairs Ministry's passport seva mobile application, which allows users to apply for a travel document from anywhere in the country, has registered one million downloads in just two days of its launch on June 26.

External Affairs Minister Swaraj had launched the application, available in Android and IOS platforms, on June 26 with facilities for applying, paying and scheduling appointments to acquire a passport.

It was launched along with a scheme under which a person can apply for a passport from anywhere in India, irrespective of the place of residence.

With the launch of the 'mPassport Seva App', a person now does not require access a computer and printer to apply for a passport.

She said 67,500 applications were received after the launch of the mobile app.

The Minister also said that rules had been simplified for passports by striking off useless, irrelevant and unnecessary questions and the process has been streamlined. Elaborating, she asked "how can an orphan tell his or her date of birth" and added that a provision had been made that the date of birth provided by the in charge of an orphanage will be considered the birth date.

In reply to another query, Swaraj admitted that the quality of passport for Members of Parliament was bad and now, after studying the passports of other nations, the best quality covers are used for printing at Nasik so that the passports are not damaged.

Replying to a supplementary regarding a passport for a woman who had an inter-faith marriage, Swaraj said that a passport had been issued to her.