Kodikunnil Suresh MP has strongly criticized the Central Government’s steep hike in passport service fees, stating that the decision will severely affect ordinary citizens, students, and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs). He urged the Government to immediately withdraw what he described as an unjustified increase, arguing that it would adversely impact people’s freedom to travel as well as their employment and educational opportunities.
He pointed out that the fee for a standard 36-page passport has been increased from ₹1,500 to ₹2,500, while the fee for a 60-page passport has been raised from ₹2,000 to ₹3,500, imposing an additional financial burden on the public. He further noted that substantial fee increases have also been imposed on Tatkaal passport services, children’s passports, replacement of lost passports, and Police Clearance Certificates. According to him, these higher charges will disproportionately affect young people seeking overseas employment, students pursuing higher education abroad, and the expatriate community.
He said that instead of making essential public services more affordable and accessible, the Government has chosen to make them more expensive, a move that cannot be justified.
“A passport is not a luxury document. It is an essential document required for employment, education, medical treatment, and family reunification,” he said. He therefore called upon the Central Government to immediately roll back the revised passport fees and restore the previous rates.
Kodikunnil Suresh MP also stated that he would raise this issue forcefully in Parliament and at all other appropriate forums to safeguard the interests of the people.
