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Passport Fees Hike: This is a big shock for the people planning to get a passport. Actually, the Central Government has announced an increase in the application fees for passport. Apart from this, the fee for re-issue of passport has also been increased. The government has announced the increase in fees at a time when there is a controversy over whether a passport is a proof of Indian citizenship or not. Actually, a statement was given by the Ministry of External Affairs on the occasion of Passport Day, after which the controversy started. Now after the announcement of increase in passport fees, the opposition may intensify attacks on the government.

Information regarding the fee increase was given in a notification issued by the Foreign Ministry on Thursday. On behalf of the Ministry, it has been said that using the powers given under Section 24 of the Passport Act, 1967, the government has changed the rules to passport. The new rules will come into effect from July 1.

How much is the charge now compared to earlier?

According to the notification, the fee for a 36-page passport has been fixed at Rs 2,500 for passport applicants aged 18 years and above. At the same time, those applicants aged between 15 to 18 years who have already taken the passport but want to get it re-issued will also have to pay Rs 2,500 in the general category. Earlier, for a 36-page passport, applicants above 18 years of age had to pay only Rs 1,500, while applicants below 18 years of age had to pay only Rs 1,000.

Apart from this, there was a provision of 10% discount on making passport for a child below 8 years of age. Whereas, if a person applies for a passport with 60 pages, he will have to pay Rs 3,500. At the same time, a charge of Rs 5,000 will have to be paid for Tatkal.

Additional fee even for changing passport

Ministry of External Affairs According to the notification issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, now the fee for replacement of passport in case of loss, tear or damage has also increased. To replace a passport with 36 pages, you will have to pay Rs 5,000 for the general category and Rs 7,500 for the Tatkal category. Apart from this, for a passport with 60 pages, the applicant will have to pay a fee of Rs 6,000 for normal and Rs 8,500 for Tatkal.

In the notification issued by the government, the fees for passports made for minors have also been increased. To apply for a 36-page passport, you will have to pay Rs 1,750 for general category and Rs 4,250 for Tatkal. At the same time, for re-issuance of passport of minors in case of loss or damage, a fee of Rs 4,250 will have to be paid for normal application and Rs 6,750 for Tatkal application.

No change in passport validity

According to the notification, Police Clearance CertificateFees for services like surrender certificate or global entry program have also been increased. Earlier there was a charge of Rs 500 for these, which has now become Rs 750. Even though the government has decided to increase the passport application fees. But there has been no change in its validity. The validity of all passports will remain the same as before.