An improved passport booklet is being developed by the passport division of the ministry of external affairs that will conform to international guidelines and ensure greater security of the travel document. The new high-tech passports could come into circulation by the middle of next year.
A committee is currently developing the layout, design and features of the upgraded booklet which would comply with recommendations of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) regarding its form, size, appearance and even inherent security features. Additionally, the new passport booklets would also address common complaints regarding tearing and seams coming loose due to excessive use. Efforts are also being made to upgrade the document to an `ePassport' embedded with an electronic chip containing critical identification data about the passport holder. Senior officials said work is simultaneously on for deciding the fate of page 35 of the passport which contains information about the citizen's parents and spouse. An inter-ministerial panel recently recommended doing away with the page as the information therein is irrelevant for immigration.
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