Pune RPO’s Call to Action: Safeguard National Symbols on Indian Passports
Pune, 20th August 2023: Dr. Arjun Deore, an IFS officer and the Regional Passport Officer (RPO) of Pune, has underscored the significance of preserving the integrity of the Indian passport, a property of the Government of India. He highlighted that this document, adorned with national symbols and crucial security features, should never be obscured by stickers.
In a recent statement, he conveyed, “The passport’s cover proudly displays National Symbols & security features and must not be covered with stickers.”
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has expressed deep concern regarding the growing misuse of Indian passports as platforms for advertising. Recent trends have revealed that travel agents have been defacing passport covers by affixing stickers promoting various companies or agencies. This not only undermines the sanctity of the passport but also goes against the guidelines established by the Union government for proper passport maintenance.
Deore, the head of the regional passport office in Pune, further stressed the paramount importance of the national emblem, featuring the iconic Ashoka Chakra, on the passport. He highlighted that this emblem plays a pivotal role in enhancing security. “The application of adhesives or promotional stickers by agents can obscure the national emblem and tamper with these crucial security features, potentially leading to complications for Indian travelers at immigration checkpoints,” cautioned Deore.
Responding swiftly, the MEA has circulated a comprehensive advisory through its network of regional passport offices across India, as well as through Indian embassies and consulates worldwide. This concerted effort ensures that the message regarding the imperative need to prevent passport misuse resonates both within the country and abroad.
Emphasizing the significance of the national emblem, Deore emphasized, “The emblem is a representation of our nation’s sovereignty and integrity. Any alteration is considered a violation.”
The advisory was prompted by several reported instances of Indian passports bearing promotional stickers, as detailed by officials.
