Centre to set up nine new Passport Seva Kendras in Assam

During a discussion with Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal  in the latter’s office chamber in Janata Bhawan, the Union minister said that, the External Affairs ministry will extend all required support to maximize the presence of passport seva kendras in Assam and accordingly such centers will be opened at District Head Post Offices initially.

“Apart from MEA personnel, such centres will be manned by staff of the postal department with technical support from TCS,” General Singh said.

On request from the Assam CM, General Singh assured him that the external affairs ministry will set up Passport Seva Kendras at Dibrugarh, Silchar, Tezpur, Kokrajhar, Dhubri, Goalpara, Lakhimpur, Nagaon and Diphu soon.

Keeping in view of the hardship faced by the people of North-East while availing visas for travelling abroad, Sonowal further requested the union minister to take measures for setting up of Consulates in Assam.

General Singh acknowledging the same, informed that he would send Consulate Generals of different countries frequently travelled by the people of NE to visit Assam to get a first hand exposure and to take steps for setting up of consulates in the state to meet up the growing demand for visas.

The issue regarding setting up of its own and exclusive building of Regional Passport Office also came up during discussion, which is to be set up by MEA in the city soon.

The Assam CM requested the union minister to construct the building in such a way that it adds more dimension to the beauty of the city.

In response, General Singh assured that the building would be one of the best in the country.

Adding further, he said that the interior of the building would reflect the essence of Assam and the exterior would give it a global look.

The duo also discussed about the potential of the state to be the gateway to South-East Asia and strategies to implement the Act East Policy to promote economic cooperation, cultural ties and develop strategic relationship with countries in the Asia-Pacific region through continuous engagement at bilateral, regional and multilateral levels thereby providing enhanced connectivity to the States of North Eastern Region.

Sonowal also offered to play host to the next Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Assam to further showcase the state and give a fillip to its initiatives to promote the region in global arena.

Sonowal also requested the union minister to maximize the operation of private airplanes from Assam to south-east asian countries and develop it as an air hub.

The union minister taking cognizance of the efforts of the state government highly appreciated the Assam Pavillion set up at Pravasi Bharatiya Divas held recently in Bengaluru.

General Singh also assured the Chief Minister that he would personally take up the issues with concerned authorities for positive outcome.

(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)