AP Police Wins National Award for Excellence in Passport Verification

In a major boost to Andhra Pradesh's reputation for digital governance and citizen-centric policing, the Andhra Pradesh Police has been selected for the prestigious Institutional Performance Award for State Police by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) . The award recognizes the state's outstanding performance in passport verification, a critical component of the passport issuance process that directly impacts how quickly citizens receive travel documents.

The recognition highlights the transformation of passport verification services in Andhra Pradesh, where the police department has leveraged technology to deliver faster, more transparent, and efficient services. By significantly reducing processing times and improving service quality, the state has emerged as one of the country's leading performers in this crucial area of public administration.

The achievement was formally communicated to DGP Harish Kumar Gupta through a letter issued by B.S. Mubarak , Chief Passport Officer and Joint Secretary (PSP), on June 10. The Ministry noted that the award was based on the state's exceptional performance during the 2025-26 financial year , particularly its ability to process a large number of passport verification requests accurately and within a short timeframe.

The award will be presented on June 19 in New Delhi during the annual Passport Seva Divas celebrations. The event, organized by the Ministry of External Affairs, commemorates the implementation of the historic Passports Act, 1967 , and serves as a platform to recognize excellence in passport service delivery across the country.

Police verification remains one of the most important stages in passport issuance, involving the verification of applicants' identities, residential addresses, and criminal antecedents. Traditionally, the process often took several weeks to complete. However, Andhra Pradesh Police has dramatically streamlined the system through the adoption of advanced digital tools, mobile applications, and real-time verification technologies .

Field-level personnel have been equipped with dedicated tablets and digital platforms, enabling them to conduct verifications and upload reports electronically. The result has been a substantial reduction in turnaround time, with applications now being processed within days rather than weeks. The technology-driven approach has also enhanced transparency, minimized manual intervention, and reduced opportunities for delays and irregularities.

Officials believe the state's success demonstrates how digital innovation can improve government service delivery without compromising security standards. Faster police clearances not only help citizens receive passports sooner but also contribute to a more efficient and accountable administrative system.

The honour will be presented by External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar during the Passport Seva Divas celebrations. The Ministry has also invited DGP Harish Kumar Gupta to participate in the accompanying Passport Officers' Conference , where officials from across India will discuss service improvements, technological advancements, and future challenges in passport administration.

The conference is expected to provide Andhra Pradesh Police with an opportunity to showcase its best practices and share its successful digital verification model with other states. Officials believe the state's approach could serve as a benchmark for police departments seeking to modernize citizen-facing services through technology.

Welcoming the recognition, senior police officials described the award as the result of the collective efforts of personnel at every level, from constables working in the field to senior leadership. They emphasized that the honour reflects the department's commitment to transparency, efficiency, and public service excellence .

The Andhra Pradesh Police has reaffirmed its resolve to continue expanding technology-driven initiatives, ensuring faster and more accessible services for citizens while maintaining high standards of security and accountability. The national recognition not only celebrates a significant administrative achievement but also reinforces Andhra Pradesh's growing reputation as a leader in digital governance and public service innovation .