Siwan, Patna and Gopalganj lead in passport applications

Patna: Siwan, Patna and Gopalganj were the top three districts in the state for applying and obtaining passports during 2023-24. These three districts accounted for nearly 30% of the total applications received and passports issued during the fiscal year, according to the recent economic survey.
East Champaran and West Champaran ranked fourth and fifth, respectively, in passport applications and issuance during this period.
Migration from these districts, particularly to Middle Eastern countries in search of better livelihood opportunities, has been common for a long time and the outflow of workers continues to this day, the survey said.
On the other hand, Banka recorded the highest growth in passport applications at 70%, followed by Katihar (55%), Supaul (49%), Madhepura (48%), Patna (47%) and Gaya (41%). These six districts saw an increase of over 40% in passport applications between 2022-23 and 2023-24.
A total of over 3.5 lakh passports were issued against the 3.7 lakh applications received in 2023-24, meaning that 94% of applicants successfully obtained passports during this period. The economic survey attributed this achievement to quick and hassle-free procedures as well as efficient police verification, which has expedited passport issuance and facilitated travel abroad for employment opportunities.
"In recent years, simplification of application procedures and time-bound police verification encourages aspirants to apply for passports, which was difficult to obtain due to tedious and complicated processes earlier," said the survey.
It added that over 17 lakh people applied for passports in the last five years in the state while 16.83 lakh received them, indicating a high issuance rate.
According to the Patna regional passport office, police verification for 84% of passport applicants was completed within 21 days in 2023, compared to 69% in 2019, demonstrating progress in addressing procedural delays over the past five years.
The economic survey also highlighted the "sharp decline" in the average number of days required for police verification over the last five years, from 17 days in 2019, 2020 and 2021 to just 12 days in 2022 and 2023. This reduction has contributed to the faster issuance of passports.
The survey added that new central govt services, such as ‘Passport Aapke Dwar' and ‘Passport Mobile Van', have also played a role in the rise in passport applications.