Passport Seva Kendra iugurated at Silchar

 FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT
SILCHAR, March 25: The Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) was iugurated at the office of the Senior Superintendent of Post Offices (SSPO), Silchar, in the gracious presence of Parimal Suklabaidya, PWD, Fisheries and Excise, MLA Dilip Kumar Paul, Deputy Speaker, Assam Assembly, MP Sushmita Dev, Kabindra Purkayastha, former Union Minister and DC S Viswathan. 
POPSK is a joint venture of Ministry of Exterl Affairs and the Department of Posts (DOP). 
POPSK, Silchar, is the first POPSK in the state and in the entire region under the jurisdiction of the Regiol Passport Office, Guwahati. The Seva Kendra would cater to passport applicants from the districts of Cachar, Karimganj, Hailakandi and Dima Hasao. 
Minister Suklabaidya said that it is a red-letter day for the residents of Silchar. "We have deep faith in the present government. None can deny the fact that rendra Modi Government has taught people to dream bigger and do brighter. This present government at the Centre has always turned dreams into reality," pointed out the PWD Minister.
 He further said when Sushma Swaraj, Union Minister for Exterl Affairs, announced the setting up of a POPSK at Silchar, a certain section of people raised questions and were unsure about its possibility. "It is due to the warm cooperation of Sushma Swaraj that POPSK could be set up here. Passports are vital documents and applicants used to suffer heavily for getting it ready. Aged people face a lot of problem. Even, Haj pilgrims are made to stand and stare and wait for their turn. Hopefully it will end now," he added to say.
 "Now it will be easier for all to apply for a passport. However, some sections of people were very skeptic about the passport office, BG issue and construction of Mahasadak.  It is easier to pass remarks than to get things done. Both the Union and the State Governments are efficient to do what has been assured to the people," said MLA Dilip Kumar Paul. 
Showing her gratefulness towards the Government, MP Sushmita Dev said, "I am pleased at the iuguration of the POPSK. It is indeed a historical day for the people of this town. According to my information, people went to Delhi to meet Sushma Swaraj and General V K Singh on the issue of POPSK."
 MP Dev added that the biometric verification process which includes unique identifiers like fingerprints, hand geometry and others is not possible in the case of persons having no arms. "It is my earnest request that some technology or technical device should be made so that these people do not have to face any sort of problem while applying for passports," she added. 
Former Union Minister Kabindra Purkayastha stated that even before Sushma Swaraj did suggest the idea of setting up a POPSK in Silchar, he along with many others have also suggested the same. "I am happy that from now onwards Barak Valley will not be neglected anymore. Other wishes and aspirations of the people of the valley will also be fulfilled."
DC Viswathan said, "With the establishment of a POPSK, a large number of difficulties will cease to exist. Per day, 80 applicants will be given passports. It is a boon and heralds a new dawn of development. I also take the privilege to declare that night landing at Kumbhirgram Airport is soon going to be a reality."