Introduction
The passport is an important document for every Indian citizen, especially those living abroad. It is not only a proof of identity but also the only means to travel legally and safely while abroad. However, if the passport is lost or stolen, it can become a big problem. In such situations, Indian citizens living abroad have to seek assistance from the Indian embassy located there. It is the responsibility of the embassy to issue a new passport to the citizen, but for this, the process of Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is necessary.
However, in many cases, there have been incidents of corruption during this process, where the concerned officials take advantage of the helplessness of the beneficiary and demand bribes. In this article, we will discuss in detail about passport problems, the process of PCC, and such corruption cases. Also, we will emphasize how Indian citizens can deal with such problems and become a part of the fight against corruption.
What to do in case of loss of passport?
When an Indian citizen loses his passport abroad or his passport is stolen, first of all he does not need to panic. The following steps are necessary in this situation:
- File a report with the local police: First of all, file a report of passport loss or theft with the local police of that country. This report will be required while applying for a new passport at the Indian Embassy.
- Contact the Indian Embassy: Next, contact the nearest Indian Embassy or Consulate. There you will be given a list of documents required to get a new passport.
- Application process: You will have to fill an application form for passport re-issue, in which you have to submit your old passport details, police report, and other required documents.
- Police Clearance Certificate (PCC): To issue a new passport, the Indian Embassy will ask for clearance from the police of your home state to confirm your information. This is an important step and may take some time.
Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) Process
The Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is a document that certifies that there are no criminal cases pending against the applicant. This certificate may be required not only for passport issuance but also for visa, residency, and employment.
The process of PCC is as follows:
- Application: The applicant has to apply for PCC at his passport office or police station. In case of Indian citizens living abroad, the application is forwarded by the embassy to the police station of their home state.
- Investigation: The police check the applicant’s permanent address and background. This investigation ensures that there is no criminal record against the applicant.
- Issuance of Certificate: After investigation, if the police is satisfied that the applicant has a clean record, the PCC is issued. After this, the embassy starts the process of issuing a new passport.
Corruption and Bribery
However, the process of PCC takes time and depends on how quickly and efficiently the police investigation is done. Unfortunately, many a times this process is misused, and police officers take advantage of the helplessness of the applicant and demand bribe.
One such case was seen in Kheda district of Gujarat, where a person’s passport was lost in the US. While he applied for a new passport at the Indian Embassy there, the process for PCC started in his home state.
During this process, Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Bharatgiri Goswami, posted at the police station in Kheda district, approached the applicant’s father and demanded Rs 40 lakh for the PCC certificate. When the applicant’s father refused to pay the bribe, the ASI agreed to take Rs 5 lakh. But the applicant’s father was not willing to pay the bribe and approached the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB).
The ACB immediately took action and arrested ASI Bharatgiri Goswami red-handed while accepting the bribe. The incident was not only a significant victory in the fight against corruption, but also shows how ordinary citizens can stand up against corruption by becoming aware.
Fight against corruption
Corruption is a serious problem, which not only complicates administrative processes but also makes the lives of ordinary citizens difficult. Facing corruption in the process of obtaining important documents like passport can be particularly stressful, as it affects the ability of the individual to live and work abroad.
In such a situation, it is important that people remain aware and vigilant against corruption. If someone is asked for a bribe for a PCC or any other document, he should approach the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) without delay. The ACB and other concerned agencies take prompt action on such complaints and bring the guilty officials to justice.
Tips to avoid corruption
Some important tips can be given to avoid and prevent corruption:
- Vigilance and awareness: First of all, every citizen should be alert about his responsibilities and rights. In case of any suspicious activity or corruption, the concerned authorities should be informed immediately.
- Legal aid: If someone is asked for money illegally, he should resort to law. Legal aid can be obtained by contacting agencies like Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB).
- Use of social media and other platforms: Social media and other public platforms can be used in the fight against corruption. This can not only make people aware but also create pressure for action against the guilty officials.
- Submit documents on time: Submit all the required documents on time to avoid delays in processes like passport and PCC. This will reduce unnecessary delays in processes and chances of corruption.
- Make other citizens aware: Involve other citizens in the fight against corruption by sharing your experiences and informing them.
Conclusion
The process of obtaining a new passport in case of passport loss or theft can be complicated, but it can be dealt with correctly. The Indian Embassy assists in completing this process, but sometimes the problem of corruption comes up during the process of Police Clearance Certificate (PCC).
The incident described in this article has proved that awareness and vigilance against corruption can lead to great victories. If you are living abroad and face any such problem, you too can raise your voice against corruption and get legal help.
Participation in the fight against corruption is not only the identity of a responsible citizen, but it is also necessary for the development of society and transparency of the system. We must understand that corruption is an evil, which requires the cooperation of every citizen to end it.
Finally, it is important that we learn lessons from such incidents and take steps towards making the administrative structure of our country clean and transparent. Through such awareness campaigns and information dissemination, we can build a better and corruption-free society.
