Sir, After reading a lot of positive reviews about the Passport Seva Kendra working at Metagalli Post Office, which is definitely a boon to the public in and around Mysuru, a couple of days back I went for my passport renewal. This office is still in its nascent stage only and needs lot of improvement to be more applicant- friendly. The day I went, out of five staff, one staff was on leave. The staff managing the reception counter was doing a dual role. He was doing the initial screening of the passport applications and then close his counter and sit in the chamber meant for the final verifications. By doing so, queue was swelling up at both the counters. Applicants were forming multiple queues leading to verbal clashes in front of the final verification chamber. There were many senior citizens and young applicants with infants, who were struggling to get into the final verification chamber. The staff adopt a staggered lunch break of half an hour which needs to be appreciated. Some suggestions to improve the services:
- Issue tokens based on the applications received at the first verification counter. This will definitely deter the applicants to stand in front of different chambers.
- Install a token display board at the waiting area.
- When tokens are issued, applicants can comfortably be seated and can wait for their turn, instead of standing in front of the chambers.
- Provide safe drinking water at the waiting area.
- Improve toilet facility.
- Many applicants are not aware that they need to apply online. There should be display boards to educate the applicants on how to apply for the passport online.
