Kozhikode Passport Office Bags Top National Honour
The Regional Passport Office (RPO), Kozhikode has emerged as the Best Passport Office in India at the Annual Passport Officers’ Conference organized by the Ministry of External Affairs. During the ceremony, Shri Arunmohan K., IIS, proudly accepted the award from Hon’ble Minister of State for External Affairs, Shri Pabitra Margherita.
This remarkable recognition reflects the team’s proactive commitment to timely service, innovation, and citizen satisfaction.
In addition to the main award, Shri Satheesh Kumar Kootil, Assistant Passport Officer, secured the Best Granting Officer Award. His dedication and professional conduct helped thousands of citizens receive quick and hassle-free services.
Numbers Speak for Themselves
RPO Kozhikode currently serves over 3,500 applicants every day. Over the past year, the team issued more than 6 lakh passports and police clearance certificates, successfully meeting the growing public demand.
To ensure easy access across northern Kerala, the office oversees:
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Five Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs): Kozhikode, Vatakara, Malappuram, Kannur, and Payyanur
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Two Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs): Kasaragod and Kalpetta
This extensive network helps people from both urban and rural areas avoid long travel.
Kerala’s First Mobile Passport Van Boosts Outreach
In a pioneering move, RPO Kozhikode launched Kerala’s first Mobile Passport Van. This innovative facility comes equipped with biometric capture systems and offers passport services directly in remote villages and hill regions.
Instead of traveling to distant offices, residents now receive passport assistance in their own communities. As a result, public satisfaction has significantly improved.
Wayanad Gets a Much-Needed POPSK
Earlier, residents of Wayanad had to visit Kozhikode or Kannur for passport-related work. Recently, RPO Kozhikode opened a new POPSK in Kalpetta, providing relief to thousands of families and students. The center ensures faster processing and convenience for applicants in the hilly district.
Kozhikode Leads Kerala in e-Passport Rollout
In line with the Government of India’s vision of digital transformation, Kozhikode became the first passport office in Kerala to issue e-Passports. These new-generation passports include an embedded chip, offering enhanced security and faster immigration clearance.
By adopting this smart tech early, the Kozhikode office reinforced its reputation as a future-ready service center.
A Model for Modern Public Service
With every initiative, from doorstep service to digital innovation, RPO Kozhikode raises the bar for public service in India. The recent awards not only validate their efforts but also encourage other regional offices to follow this citizen-first approach.
Clearly, when leadership combines with smart service delivery, excellence becomes a habit—not an exception.