Also, people can apply for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra using the app — MEAIndia.
Open your smartphone and just apply for your passport! Thanks to ministry of external affairs (MEA), which on Monday became the first department of government of India to launch its own free mobile application, now millions of people aspiring to get passport can do that on fingertips.
The free application, ‘MEAIndia’, was launched by foreign secretary Ranjan Mathai at a function here for Android and Apple smartphones. Other platforms like Blackberry and Windows will be considered later.
Mathai, while addressing the reporters, said when he had joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1974 “conventional wisdom had it that diplomats were not meant to be seen or heard in public. We were told to do our vital work of communicating messages to our interlocutors discreetly, quietly and in a detached manner. We were required not to be visible and encouraged to work in anonymity. All this has now changed,” Mathai said.
“The requirements of communications have changed and evolved and so have we in the ministry of external affairs. We have adapted and adapted to these new demands of technology and means of communications,” he added.
“For some it (MEA launching a mobile app) may be a small thing. This is a great leap of faith for us,” said MEA’s spokesperson Syed AKbaruddin.
He explained that programme was conceived six months ago with an aim to have it up and running in six months – which they achieved.
Using MEAIndia, people can access information regarding passport, apply for it and even track status of their applications. Using this app, access information on visa, latest updates about India’s foreign relations, latest updates from over 120 Indian missions from across the world, will be just a touch away.
It can be used to apply for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra as well. It also has a specific section for those who need emergency consular assistance when abroad. One can also follow prime minister’s foreign visits and interact with external affairs minister.
The MEA will also regularly conduct quiz with users on foreign relations to increase interactivity with people. It can also be customised as per the user’s wishes.
Government offices across the world have such kind of mobile apps but it is a new step for any ministry of the Indian government.
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