Passport Travel Document, Not Proof of Citizenship: MEA, A needless controversy | Neelu Vyas

Amid growing public confusion over the use of passports as proof of citizenship and eligibility for government benefits, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has clarified that an Indian passport is strictly a travel document and should not be treated as conclusive proof of citizenship. The clarification came during a detailed briefing on India's rapidly expanding passport and mobility ecosystem, which highlighted major reforms aimed at making passports more accessible, secure and globally accepted while facilitating overseas employment and international travel for millions of Indians. Officials stressed that while passports are issued to Indian citizens, the document's primary purpose is to enable international travel and establish identity abroad. Questions have earlier been raised about other documents as proof of citizenship, including Aadhaar and Voter ID cards. The government also showcased significant improvements in passport services, with processing times now reduced to as little as five working days in many cases. According to officials, applicants are spending less than 45 minutes at Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs), reflecting the impact of technology-driven reforms and streamlined procedures. #modi #passport #breakingnews #neeluvyas #viralnews #indiancitizens #currentaffairs #newsupdate #trendingnews #indianpolitics