Sharp decline in passport applicants

The Covid-19 has led to a sharp decline in the number of passport applicants. Sources said the number of applicants at the passport office has been low over the past month.

Many people go abroad from Aurangabad for jobs, education, business or tourism. Hence the passport office is always crowded with applicants. However, the number of people applying for passports has dropped this year due to the corona. It is learned that less than two to three thousand applications have been received in the last two months.

Many people from Aurangabad go abroad for various works. Many young people go abroad for jobs or education. Apart from this, the number of people going to religious tourism is higher. Last year, over 40,000 citizens had applied for passports. This year, the passport office was closed from March to August 30 due to the outbreak of the coronavirus. The process of filing an application for a passport was started in September. After that 300 to 400 applications have been filed for a passport.

Police waiting for instructions

After applying for a passport, the complete information of the concerned citizen is verified. It is the responsibility of the police department to verify the information. The police also investigate whether any crime has been registered against the concerned citizen.

In addition, the police visit the applicant''s home. However, no instructions have yet been issued as to whether the police should go to the applicant''s home due to the coronavirus. Hence many police officials are awaiting the orders. This is causing difficulties in disposing of these applications.