Yogesh Kadam, minister of state for home, said in the Legislative Assembly that instructions would be given to the police department officers to follow the rules and stop harassment (if any) when it comes to address verification of people staying in rented premises
BJP MLA Manisha Chaudhary raised the passport verification issue in the Legislative Assembly on Wednesday. FILE PIC/SATEJ SHINDE
In a relief to several hundred citizens, the state government will be instructing police officials not to harass people during the address verification process for passports of those living in rented apartments or flats due to redevelopment. Yogesh Kadam, minister of state for home, said in the Legislative Assembly that instructions would be given to the police department officers to follow the rules and stop harassment (if any) when it comes to address verification of people staying in rented premises.
“On Wednesday, the police department was to be given instructions to not harass people over address verification,” Kadam said. On Wednesday, BJP MLA Manisha Chaudhary, through a calling attention notice, raised the issue of people facing problems when it comes to address verification of those who have moved out of their old house due to buildings being demolished for redevelopment.
“Citizens possess the original agreement, redevelopment agreement with developer, and Aadhar card, but still face problems from the police when it comes to address verification for passports. Students who aspire to go abroad for higher education are facing a problem on a larger scale,” the BJP MLA said and demanded changes in the standard operating procedure (SOP) for passport address verification.
Addressing the concern, Kadam said that there is a provision to mention the current and permanent address while making an application for a passport. “The problem is created as many times people provide only permanent addresses while applying for passports, failing to mention their current addresses.” BJP MLA Ameet Satam objected to the reply and claimed that there is no such provision. However, Kadam was quick to respond, saying, “There is a provision to provide two addresses.”
The minister further stated that when it comes to verification, there are many things involved other than the address. “Besides address, police have to do several other checks, like verifying the person’s history or establishing whether there are any criminal cases against the applicant,” Kadam said. Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Sunil Prabhu cited that several buildings in Mumbai are being pulled down for redevelopment and citizens who moved out are facing problems when it comes to passport verification.
“The current address registration and permanent address documents are cross-checked during the verification process. If they match, I don’t think there should be a problem. But, if people are still complaining about harassment or difficulties, the police will be given immediate instructions to follow the SOP strictly. If the SOP is not followed, appropriate action will be initiated,” Kadam said, adding that even a rent receipt is accepted for address verification, as per the SOP.
Chaudhary, during the discussion, suggested making changes to the SOP, to which Kadam replied that SOPs are laid out to make the process easier, but while following the SOPs, police have to be very careful as this process is also related to national security. “The MLA can suggest changes. Will share the same with the Union government as the Government of India has mandated the SOPs, and the Passports Act is also governed by the central government,” added Kadam.
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