Freia’s passport had expired and she needed a new one. Now that she’s 16, she was told that she’s got to do everything herself. So she went online, completed the form, got an appointment around 10 days later and promptly forgot about it. Until 1 day before the appointment.
That’s when she started putting together the various documents needed. And realized she needed a notarized declaration. Getting a notary on a Saturday, who’d give the same before Sunday, seemed an impossibility. But she managed to find one nearby, who promised to give it on Sunday. And actually did.
The online form gave an appointment time of 12.45. However, everyone told us that the time means nothing and you need to get to the passport office as early as possible. Ideally 6 or 7. Heeding the well meant advise, Freia and I reached the passport office at 9. And stood in line. We checked with the passport office security, and they confirmed that yes, all needed to stand in the line.
At 9.45 they allowed people in, and got them to form 3 different lines. We, like everyone else were confused. And like all good Indians speculated and came up with several reasons. The other lines were Tatkal or returnees, or VIP’s or … The 2 lines were sent in and then once again 2 more lines were being formed. That’s when we realized what was happening. They were sending people in, based on the appointment time. Which was very good. And the way it should be.
So Freia and I went to a nearby CCD (Café Coffee Day), a coffee shop, and ate sandwiches, drank coffee, read, worked and kept ourselves busy. Back at the passport office at 12.30, we were part of a very short line and then were allowed to queue outside the entrance. Around 25 – 30 minutes later, we were in the AC hall. And in a long line. To have the passport application scrutinized, and if found okay, submitted. The only sad part was that several counters were unmanned and one got the feeling that if the place was adequately staffed, the lines could have been a lot shorter.
Lunch was at 1.30 and so promptly at 1.30 p.m. all the staff disappeared. Freia managed to get a place to sit. Fortunately there was a CCD inside the office, and we could have some snacks that were reasonable. Price and taste. Although the time was 1.20 – 2, most of the staff came back only at around 2.15.
The hall was filled with people. Almost all very unhappy. They complained about the speed of the staff, the facilities, the time it took, and so on. Yes, all of it was true.
Nevertheless, I found a few things very ironic. Most of the people I’m willing to bet were worse offenders of time in their workplace. In terms of getting to office in time, and returning from the numerous lunch and tea breaks. In India, we seem to follow IST (Indian Standard Time) and are happy about it. Until, we’re the victims of IST. The second glaring irony, was that many of these exact same people would be visiting the US embassy. And spend larger amounts of time, in less friendly conditions. Yet, they would be talking about the American way being superior.
I’m by no stretch of imagination justifying the process or defending the system. It’s not as good as it could and should be. And needs improvement. And we need to help the process by appreciating the improvement in services, as compared a few years earlier. And giving constructive suggestions to make improvements.
I, for my part have sent in my suggestions to the Regional Passport Office, et al. When will you ?
Some TIPS for making your experience less frustrating
That’s when she started putting together the various documents needed. And realized she needed a notarized declaration. Getting a notary on a Saturday, who’d give the same before Sunday, seemed an impossibility. But she managed to find one nearby, who promised to give it on Sunday. And actually did.
The online form gave an appointment time of 12.45. However, everyone told us that the time means nothing and you need to get to the passport office as early as possible. Ideally 6 or 7. Heeding the well meant advise, Freia and I reached the passport office at 9. And stood in line. We checked with the passport office security, and they confirmed that yes, all needed to stand in the line.
At 9.45 they allowed people in, and got them to form 3 different lines. We, like everyone else were confused. And like all good Indians speculated and came up with several reasons. The other lines were Tatkal or returnees, or VIP’s or … The 2 lines were sent in and then once again 2 more lines were being formed. That’s when we realized what was happening. They were sending people in, based on the appointment time. Which was very good. And the way it should be.
So Freia and I went to a nearby CCD (Café Coffee Day), a coffee shop, and ate sandwiches, drank coffee, read, worked and kept ourselves busy. Back at the passport office at 12.30, we were part of a very short line and then were allowed to queue outside the entrance. Around 25 – 30 minutes later, we were in the AC hall. And in a long line. To have the passport application scrutinized, and if found okay, submitted. The only sad part was that several counters were unmanned and one got the feeling that if the place was adequately staffed, the lines could have been a lot shorter.
Lunch was at 1.30 and so promptly at 1.30 p.m. all the staff disappeared. Freia managed to get a place to sit. Fortunately there was a CCD inside the office, and we could have some snacks that were reasonable. Price and taste. Although the time was 1.20 – 2, most of the staff came back only at around 2.15.
The hall was filled with people. Almost all very unhappy. They complained about the speed of the staff, the facilities, the time it took, and so on. Yes, all of it was true.
Nevertheless, I found a few things very ironic. Most of the people I’m willing to bet were worse offenders of time in their workplace. In terms of getting to office in time, and returning from the numerous lunch and tea breaks. In India, we seem to follow IST (Indian Standard Time) and are happy about it. Until, we’re the victims of IST. The second glaring irony, was that many of these exact same people would be visiting the US embassy. And spend larger amounts of time, in less friendly conditions. Yet, they would be talking about the American way being superior.
I’m by no stretch of imagination justifying the process or defending the system. It’s not as good as it could and should be. And needs improvement. And we need to help the process by appreciating the improvement in services, as compared a few years earlier. And giving constructive suggestions to make improvements.
I, for my part have sent in my suggestions to the Regional Passport Office, et al. When will you ?
Some TIPS for making your experience less frustrating
- You should go to the passport office just 15 minutes before your appointment. Going early does not help.
- Have 2 sets of photocopies of all your documents. Make sure you sign each of the photocopies.
- Have originals of all the documents you are submitting.
http://passport.gov.in/cpv/obtain.htm
- They may say 1 proof or residence is necessary. At the counter they demand more documents. Keep 2 or 3 if you have them. More can’t hurt.
- If possible, have all the people whose passports are being applied for. Even if they are children. It’s frustrating to have to come back, because 1 place was not signed.
- Use the checklist on their website. It’s pretty comprehensive, except for the number of residence proof required.
http://passport.gov.in/cpv/checklist.htm
- Use the other centers to submit your passport. They are equally fast, and have shorter lines.
http://passport.gov.in/mumbai.html#apply
- Carry a book. Time passes a lot faster when you have something to do.
- And Smile. 5 years ago was 100 times worse.
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