Corruption During Passport Verification: A Menace We Must Address
Overview of the Problem
Passport verification is a critical step in the issuance process, ensuring that applicants meet the necessary criteria. Unfortunately, this essential procedure has become tainted by corruption. Police officers, entrusted with this responsibility, often solicit bribes openly. Citizens encounter demands ranging from ₹500 to ₹1,000, colloquially known as “kharcha pani.” Standard across India is Rs. 500. These illicit practices persist across various states, including Uttar Pradesh.
Impact and Concerns
The impact of corruption during passport verification is far-reaching:
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Harassment and Financial Burden:
- Citizens face undue pressure to pay bribes, leading to harassment and mental distress.
- The financial burden affects applicants, especially those from economically vulnerable backgrounds.
- Even after paying huge taxes on income, road tax, toll tax, huge taxes on fuel, we have to pay bribe for most valuable document i.e. passport even after having all the documents correct.
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Perpetuation of Unethical Practices:
- When citizens comply with bribery requests, they inadvertently perpetuate this corrupt system.
- The cycle continues, eroding trust in law enforcement and public institutions.
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Misuse of Power:
- Police officers misuse their authority, undermining the integrity of the verification process.
- The very individuals meant to uphold justice become complicit in illegal activities.
Steps for Citizens
To combat corruption during passport verification, citizens can take the following steps:
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Refuse to Pay:
- Politely decline any bribe requests. Remember that your application cannot be rejected solely due to non-payment.
- Stand firm and maintain your integrity.
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Know Your Rights:
- Understand that police officers must report to the passport office within 21 days.
- Familiarize yourself with the rejection criteria—applications cannot be arbitrarily denied.
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Leverage Legal Channels:
- Call Police Station SHO First, CO (Circle Officer) Second, Area SP Third, SSP Fourth, Commissioner Firth. Your issue would be resolved on level First or Second Itself. You will not need to reach SP,SSP Commissioner. Email and WhatsApp Your complaint to them as well so that you have written prove and that police man could not be saved by department.
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Document Everything:
- If police man ask for bribe ask him/her to take using UPI in bank account.
- Maintain a log of interactions with police officers during verification.
- If you feel harassed, Send your complaint on WhatsApp and email.
Examples and News Reports
Instances of corruption during passport verification have made headlines:
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Bengaluru Constable Suspended:
- In Bengaluru, a constable was suspended for accepting bribes during verification.
- This incident highlights the urgency of addressing the issue.
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Arrests in Mumbai and Other Cities:
- Mumbai witnessed arrests of police officers involved in bribery during verification.
- Similar cases have been reported in Nagpur and Lucknow.
Call to Action
Let’s collectively work toward a transparent and efficient verification system:
- Advocate for reforms, emphasizing digital processes and accountability.
- Encourage citizens to report incidents and demand ethical conduct.
Together, we can curb corruption and ensure a fair passport verification process for all.
I vividly recall paying Rs. 500 during my first passport application in 2013. However, when I renewed it in 2023, I took a stand—I refused to pay any bribes. To my surprise, nothing adverse happened. My verification proceeded smoothly, and I received my passport on time. What’s more, many of my friends followed suit, denying bribes during their police verifications, and none faced rejection. It’s disheartening that despite paying heavy income tax, road tax, and toll tax, we’re still asked for bribes during passport processing. Let’s advocate for a system where merit, not money, determines our passport’s fate.
