New Indian passports to have Lotus symbol

New Indian passports will have a lotus symbol printed on them. This move by Indian government is facing harsh criticism from individuals and organisations, who deem it unnecessary.

However, the Ministry of External Affairs of India (MEA) has issued a clarification on this. In a recent media briefing, Raveesh Kumar, official spokesperson, MEA, India said that the printing of lotus symbol is a part of the government’s enhanced security feature to identify fake passports.The changes apply to new passports, and the ‘Indian and British Passport renewal in Canada services’ need not be confused.

He further stated that the move is in accordance with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) guidelines.

ICAO is a UN specialised agency that works with its 193 member states and industry groups to create international civil aviation standards and recommended practices, and policies for a safe, economically sustainable and environmentally responsible civil aviation sector.

The lotus symbol was chosen as it is the national flower of India. Although, other national symbols that hold a primary importance in India’s past and present will also be used on the passports on rotational basis.

Indian passports: Here are the top changes

1. Lotus is the national flower and has been imprinted on the passports as part of the enhanced security features to check fake passports, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said.

2. If we compare the old passports with this highly secured and changed one, we will find that the ‘Lotus’ has replaced the space for the signature of the passport officer. MyBritishPassport used to have a space for a passport officer’s signature and seal on the second page. Lotus has been imprinted in the rectangular shape on the second page of the new passport.

3. Old passports used to have separate columns for entering passport holders’ names and addresses. New passports no longer have these separate columns.

4. There are new codes which are being used in the new Indian passports. New passports with special features were first made available at passport offices in Kochi in November.

5. It has been learnt that better quality of paper has been used for new Indian passports along with improved printing technology. The printing process has been done in Maharashtra’s Nashik.

6. National Informatics Centre (NIC), and the Indian Security Press (Nasik) have worked in tandem with MEA to upgrade passport for travellers.