Anil Baluni, BJP MP from the Garhwal Lok Sabha constituency in Uttarakhand, recently met with External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar to discuss the need for passport offices in the remote areas of Garhwal. This meeting took place on Wednesday, and Baluni emphasised the challenges faced by residents due to the absence of local passport offices.
Baluni highlighted the importance of having passport offices in Gopeshwar (Chamoli) and Kotdwar. He explained that the difficult geographical conditions of these areas make it particularly burdensome for the local people to travel to distant cities like Dehradun and Haldwani for their passport-related needs. Such journeys not only consume a significant amount of time but also add financial strain on the residents.
The Garhwal region, with its challenging terrain and remote locations, often poses difficulties for its inhabitants in accessing various government services. The establishment of passport offices in Gopeshwar and Kotdwar would significantly ease these hardships by providing more accessible services. This move would be especially beneficial for the youth and others who require passports for educational and employment opportunities abroad.
In his post on X, Anil Baluni expressed optimism about the outcome of his meeting with the EAM. He mentioned that Jaishankar had agreed to his request and assured that efforts would be made to open passport offices in the mentioned locations soon. Baluni conveyed his hopes for a positive announcement in the near future regarding this development.
The lack of local passport offices has been a persistent issue for the residents of Gopeshwar and Kotdwar. Currently, they have to travel long distances to Dehradun, Haldwani, or other districts to complete their passport-related tasks. This situation has caused considerable inconvenience and has been a source of frustration for many.
Baluni, who also serves as the BJP’s National Chief Spokesperson, has been vocal about the need to address this issue. By raising the demand for local passport offices, he aims to alleviate the difficulties faced by his constituents and improve their access to essential services.
The establishment of passport offices in these areas would not only save time and money for the residents but also contribute to the overall development of the region. It would facilitate easier and more efficient processing of passports, thereby encouraging more people to pursue opportunities that require international travel.
Anil Baluni’s meeting with EAM S. Jaishankar marks a significant step towards addressing the long-standing issue of passport office accessibility in Garhwal’s remote areas. The positive response from the EAM brings hope to the residents of Gopeshwar and Kotdwar, who have been struggling with the inconvenience of distant travel for their passport needs.
With the anticipated opening of local passport offices, the region can expect improved access to essential services, benefiting the youth and the broader community.