The concept of Tatkal, which is availability of a government service out of turn, started way back in the 1990’s for telephones. The idea was that since government officials would charge a bribe to make things happen quicker, why not the government legitimize the process, and pocket the money. In any case, the applicant was willing to pay a premium to hasten the process. In the 2000’s, with the onset of private telecom companies and availability of telephones and mobiles in a day, this became irrelevant.
The Tatkal concept had also subsequently been introduced for railway tickets and passports. And these remain relevant even today. Freia, who had applied for a passport, wanted to go to the US in a week. And so decided to try and get her passport issued quickly using the Tatkal scheme.
The website is quite nice and gives details of the Tatkal process. One of the requirements is to get a verification certificate from a Government Official above a certain rank, very clearly defined. Personnel of the Armed Forces qualify and so I checked with a friend who is a Captain in the Indian Navy, if he could give me a verification. This has to be in a format and on the letterhead of the official. He kindly agreed.
Freia and I met my friend and he has printed and completed 2 original copies of the verification certificate on his letterhead, with all of his contact details, official and personal. One of the requirements was to have a photocopy of the ID Card of the concerned official. My friend informed us that the service rules did not allow for them to photocopy their ID Cards. This made sense and I was sure that the passport office would know about it.
Freia along with Ivy went the next morning to the passport office. And stood in line. When their turn finally came, they were told that the ID card was a requirement. And if the service rules do not allow, then get the verification certificate from somebody else. The concerned officer was unwilling to even listen. Or direct towards someone who could or would.
Interestingly, the website states that minors do not require a police verification. And hence minors, do not need a verification certificate. Hence to begin with, the Tatkal form should have been accepted. Secondly, if you have a photo id and other proof of residence, then you do not need the verification certificate from a Government official. Freia had all of these. The answer of the officer, “Everyone needs a verification certificate”.
Looks like the easy way or maybe the only way to get things done is through agents. Your guess to the reasons for this are as good as mine.
Ultimately since the timelines for Freia to go had passed, we decided to do what most of us Indians are used to. Wait patiently. We’ve tried writing to the officials on the address provided on the website but unfortunately have not got any reply of clarification. Most government officials complain that they are being inundated and harassed by RTI queries. If they have transparency, clarity and consistency with regards to their dealing with the normal citizen, then maybe citizens need to use RTI may significantly reduce. And all of us would be so much happier.
No comments:
Post a Comment