MEA introduces changes in passport delivery, visa and consular services
ministry of external affairs (MEA) has introduced 'significant' changes in the delivery of passports, visas and consular services in its move to mitigate predatory pricing, Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) said in a statement.
The industry body also said the ministry's move tightens rules for selection of partners visas and consular services to the Indian diaspora and foreign visitors.
The Indian missions of the MEA are the first touch points for any international traveller coming into India — the Indian Citizen or Person of Indian Origin (PIO) and foreigners (traveling to India) residing overseas.
«The ministry of external affairs (MEA) has embarked on a transformational programme to reform and strengthen its tendering and evaluation process in a holistic manner to select the right outsourced service providers,» said TAAI president Jyoti Mayal.
«While the focus lies on L1 pricing, there is a strong emphasis on the four pillars of quality services, sustainable and viable price, data protection and security, and ethical practices and integrity,» she added.
She said it is important that the first impression of any individual travelling to India or having to work with any Indian Mission anywhere in the world needs to be 'impeccable' as the government is determined to work towards delivering the promise of new India.
«Therefore, the MEA and its missions as true representatives of the Indian government to the world must focus on offering superior, efficient, and cost-effective services as perhaps the first step in that direction,» she added.
The president concluded by stating that India is positioning itself as a global leader in several sectors such as trade, cross border services and citizen services.
«As India
