Indian people must obtain passports through the Indian Passport Office. The passport office works hard to offer quick and effective services, but there are a number of challenges that could hinder how well it is able to carry out its duties. These challenges include escalating demand, lack of awareness, delays in issuance, verification and fraud prevention, and technical difficulties.

The passport office has taken a number of actions to address these issues, including growing its network of passport seva kendras, streamlining the application procedure, strengthening background checks, utilising biometric technologies, and working with law enforcement organisations.

Obstacles being encountered:

1. Delay in issuance:
   Delays in issuing passports can be frustrating for applicants, especially those who have urgent travel plans. This delay can be caused by several factors, including incomplete documentation or technical issues.
    
2. Geographical disparities:
   Some regions of India, especially rural areas, may not have easy access to passport services, leading to unequal access to this essential document.
    
3. Verification and fraud prevention:
   The passport office has to ensure that the applicants are genuine and do not pose a security threat. Verifying the authenticity of the documents submitted and preventing fraud can be challenging, especially with the increasing sophistication of fraudulent activities.
    
4. Technical challenges:
   The passport office relies heavily on technology to manage the application process, and technical glitches can cause delays and inconvenience to applicants.
    
5. Lack of awareness:
   Some citizens may not be aware of the passport application process or the documents required, leading to errors or delays in processing.
    
6. Increasing demand:
   The number of Indian citizens applying for passports has been increasing steadily over the years, which puts a strain on the passport office's resources.

Measures being taken to Curb these challenges:

• The passport office has introduced several measures to address this, such as the use of biometric technology, enhanced background checks, and greater collaboration with law enforcement agencies.
• The passport office has also introduced an online tracking system that enables applicants to monitor the status of their application in real-time.
• The passport office has launched awareness campaigns, both online and offline, to educate citizens about the passport application process and the documents required.
• The passport office has been expanding its network of passport seva kendras and passport seva laghu kendras across the country, especially in remote and rural areas, to provide easier access to passport services.
   

Conclusion
In general, the Indian Passport Office works consistently to remove these barriers and enhance its offerings to customers. To properly resolve all the issues, though, may take some time given the size and complexity of its operations.

References:

1. India's passport office faces technical glitch, applicants suffer. (2021). The Tribune. Retrieved from https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/indias-passport-office-faces-technical-glitch-applicants-suffer-284461
2. Indian passport offices to use biometric technology to prevent fraud. (2017). Biometric Update. Retrieved from
3. Indian passport office launches mobile app for quick access to services. (2018). The Financial Express. Retrieved from https://www.financialexpress.com/industry/indian-passport-office-launches-mobile-app-for-quick-access-to-services/1208585/
4. Indian passport office introduces tatkaal scheme for urgent applications. (2020). India Today. Retrieved from https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/indian-passport-office-introduces-tatkaal-scheme-for-urgent-applications-1652667-2020-02-06

Written By: Abraham Mutazu, a law student at Lovely Professional University.