Changing the narrative: J&K police earn national recognition for passport verification efficiency

Srinagar: In a significant departure from the long-held perception that residents of Jammu and Kashmir routinely face delays or denials in obtaining passports due to security concerns, the J&K Police have been recognized as one of the best-performing forces in the country for its exemplary role in passport verification services for 2024–25.

The prestigious recognition was conferred by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) during the observance of Passport Seva Divas, held annually to commemorate the enactment of the Passport Act, 1967. The Act provides the statutory framework for issuing passports and other travel documents by the Government of India.

The certificate of recognition was presented to Rayees Mohammad Bhat (IPS), DIG CID, who represented J&K Police at the national event, by the Minister of State for External Affairs.

According to official data, the J&K Police finalized 1,34,219 passport application verifications between April 2024 and March 2025, reflecting not only an exceptional disposal rate but also a strong commitment to timely, transparent, and citizen-centric service delivery.

One of the key highlights of this year’s observance was the recognition of CID and police wings across states for their performance in the passport issuance process, where background verification is a critical and often time-sensitive component. The J&K Police stood out for its efficiency, professionalism, and people-friendly approach.

“The recognition is a testament to the relentless efforts of officers and officials of the CID and police departments in the Union Territory,” an official statement read. “These teams have stepped beyond their comfort zones, working tirelessly to ensure efficient passport application verifications — a task that is often invisible but vital to public service.”

This is the first time that the efforts of J&K Police in the timely disposal of passport cases have been formally acknowledged at the national level.

“This recognition by the MEA clearly shows that J&K Police is among the best in the country in terms of professional handling of verifications,” said an official in the Home Department. “The high number of verifications completed in a single year shows both the capacity and the commitment of our forces,” the official added.

In recent years, passport services in Jammu and Kashmir have witnessed a notable transformation, with digitized records, tighter timelines, and streamlined coordination between the Passport Seva Kendras and CID wings of the police.

Officials say that technological upgrades and focused administrative monitoring have played a crucial role in reducing pendency and enhancing public satisfaction — a fact that has now received national recognition.

As Passport Seva Divas reaffirms the Government of India’s commitment to improving citizen-centric governance, the J&K Police’s performance serves as a benchmark for efficient policing in sensitive regions — and a reminder that public perception can often be at odds with ground realities shaped by hard work, discipline, and integrity.