Kolkata: The West Bengal Police has decided to digitize all documents that a citizen submits when applying for a passport to have a record of all data.
Initially, the Bidhannagar Commissionerate and Howrah Rural Police and two divisions of Kolkata Police will start with a trial launch of an app for document verification. Subsequently, the police will go for state-wide implementation.
This digitalization initiative is in direct response to a major passport fraud scandal uncovered last December when several Bangladesh citizens fraudulently applied for and obtained Indian passports.
Now onwards all passport application documents will be digitally stored on the police server. ACPs, OCs and additional OCs will have access to all applications so they can cross-check.
The app will also provide a streamlined interface where applicants can review document requirements, track application status, and receive real-time updates through a secure login system.
The application also features a direct complaint filing mechanism that connects applicants with police officials. Once the verification process is complete, applicants will receive automated status updates through the platform.
The West Bengal police feel that the transparency of the system and accessibility at multiple levels by law enforcement will prevent the use of fraudulent documents in future applications.
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