JALANDHAR: top politician Of Punjab has recommended the issue of passions to who persons who were not living in India. Babu Ram, Passport Officer told newsmen of names from Gopal Singh to Iqbal Singh and from Harpal Singh to Haripal Singh The fraud was detected when the police went to their villages for verification,
However, travel trade sources claim that there are a number of cases when passports have been issued to persons who were not living in India. Babu Ram denied that the allegation that 400 passports had been issued t0 persons who had not even submitted applications by replacing the photographs in the office. He said one case came to light in February when the photograph on the application was changed. A peon who replaced the Photograph was suspended. Babu Ram said that a large number of applications for issue of passports were awaiting disposal due to the acute shortage of staff. He said the strength of the staff remained the same as it was in 1979. Despite the fact that the workload had increased manifold, 14 regular posts were lying vacant for several months. He said the staff transferred to Jalandhar from outside the State was reluctant to come Punjab due to the uncertain Conditions. The office required at least 30 more staff members to cope with the rush.
However, travel trade sources said that it had become risky to submit passports for renewal and immigration clearance because they get lost in the office.
Article extracted from this publication >> May 15, 1992
