MEA agrees to review biometric process for infants after receiving request from Kolkata social worker

The issue was recently raised by Sundeep Bhutoria, a well-known cultural activist and social worker from Kolkata.

"I am happy that the MEA has responded to my appeal and taken it up seriously. Socially-conscious citizens of Indian should bring such issues to the notice of the government to take proper steps,"  Bhutoria said to IBNS.

He earlier wrote to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj saying, "I would like to draw your kind attention to the fact that, as per the extant norms, an infant born in India has to be taken to the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) office in order to comply with the formalities of getting a passport done."

Voicing the concern of many concerned parents, he wrote, "This is a very worrisome experience for those parents who find themselves in a situation where they need a passport for their days-old infant. It is also fraught with consequences as the infants are susceptible to diseases and infections and the risk of contracting it is very high. Since the PSK offices are visited by too many people, maintaining a proper sanitized environment conducive for the infants is not always possible."

He requested that the Ministry work out a mechanism to issue passports for infants in such a manner so that they are not exposed to any risk. "I also feel that there is a need to re-evaluate the necessity of fingerprinting new-borns and work out viable alternatives.”

According to media reports, on Wednesday, Gopal Baglay, Spokesperson, MEA said in a statement, "As instructed by the External Affairs Minister, this is under review."