Passport Issuance Delayed: Ink Shortage Worsens Passport Printing Issues
The Passport and Immigration Office is facing significant delays in passport issuance due to an ongoing ink shortage. This new complication has worsened the situation, already affected by a shortage of lamination paper.
Ink Shortage Disrupts Passport Services
Recent reports reveal that the ink shortage at the Passport and Immigration Office has halted both normal and urgent passport printing services. The ink deficit follows an earlier issue with lamination paper, which had already delayed passport processing times.
Mismanagement and Delays: A Growing Concern
Sources suggest that senior officials’ mismanagement is a key factor in the current crisis. The shortage of essential supplies like ink and lamination paper has been exacerbated by the office’s recent expenditure of approximately 60 million rupees on renovations, rather than addressing the supply issues.
Proposed Changes to the Directorate
The Passport and Immigration Office is undergoing changes, with plans to elevate it to an authority status. This move aims to provide the office with greater control and budget autonomy, similar to the authority held by Principal Accounting Officers in other ministries. However, this transition is raising concerns among officials and the public about its impact on passport services.
What to Expect
Until the ink shortage is resolved and the proposed changes are fully implemented, the Passport and Immigration Office may continue to experience disruptions. Applicants are advised to check for updates and plan their applications accordingly to avoid delays.
