Of the documents needed for getting a passport made under Tatkal Scheme in India, there is one called ‘verification certificate’. It is referred to as Annexure F. Rightly named so. You will soon see why.
For the uninitiated, this is a document that is needed compulsorily, and can only be signed by the bureaucratic elites of the system, who, I am sure fart glitter and poop rainbows. Or ride a unicorn to work, because looks like I know noone who would do the needful for me.
To be specific, these are the unicorns people who can sign your verification certificate, according to the website.
And this is the reason ↓ why no one will sign it (unless, of course they are your parents/parents-in-law, or looking to retire in jail). [This innocent looking terminology ‘incorrect verification’, apparently, has layers of meaning in the Indian red-tapeism.]
As the protocol states it, the said document needs to be printed on the official letter-head of the person issuing it for you. Most of the people will entertain the request till this point. However, the catch lies in the second bit, which is: the document has to be accompanied with a photocopy of the person’s official identity card (grocery card in case of defense-officials), which is when the ‘F’ bit in the nomenclature of the annexure will come into play, and you will be asked to f***-off.
I reckon that the idea behind it is, that someone worth their weight in gold in the Indian bureaucratic system should vouch for me. Understandably so, for, what if while ambling around in the streets of Switzerland, I suddenly get tempted to rob a bank? Or say, while flying to Europe with Cathay Pacific, suppose I hijack the aircraft to my own back-yard? What if my so called ’emergency’ is a quick meeting with Al-qaeda chief, at his underground base?
Here is what is likely to happen when you step out looking for someone who can issue the certificate for you (not applicable in case your parents/parents-in-law hold any of the aforementioned positions):
Would I sign the documents had I the authority to do so?
No. Nor do I think that anyone in their right mind would and should, because the stakes are high.
Then what am I wanting to say through this article?
That, what good is a rule that services a mere handful of the people of a nation that has 1.3 billion population? Emergencies do not crop-up (the reason why ‘tatkal’ scheme was started in the first place) after assessing the bureaucratic elitism of a human being. This definitely needs fine-tuning and a practical approach.
Traveller-tip: Apply for appointment only after you have your documents ready.
Edit:
This update has come from Shubhanka, who is a reader of A Borrowed Backpack. It is about the process of converting a tatkal application to the normal one.
“The procedure for converting a tatkal application to the normal is quite easy and simple. You don’t have to worry at all. You just have to take appointment in normal quota. At the first counter where documents get checked, your application gets changed into normal one.”
Hi, Thanks for the writing. I have applied for a passport re-issue on tatkal and my booking is coming Wednesday. I filled up the forms online, made payment and booked appointment. The Online Appointment Receipt clearly states “As you have selected Application Type as ‘Tatkaal’ and Employment type as ‘PRIVATE’, please confirm to enter the Verification Certificate (VC) / No Objection Certificate (NOC) / Prior Intimation Letter (PIL) / Identity Certificate (IC) details online using Enter VC/NOC/PIL/IC Details link available on the View Saved/Submitted Applications page.Please carry originals.” Like a common guy, i was also too worried about this Annexure -F. So I called a passport agent through my Office HR contacts to see if if Ann.-F is required. The agent told me it is not required. Still not convinced, I called passport toll free number and explained the above statement in Appointment receipt. I also added i have changed my address . The toll free executive said Annexure -F is not required for Re-issue but only required for Fresh issue of passport. While browsing I stumbled into this experience,
http://curiouslogic.in/2014/06/tatkal-passport-renewal-without-annexure-f/ Anyways, I have decided to go without Ann-F. The worst case would be changing from Tatkal to normal. Will write up after my experience after Wednesday. Like Like
Hi Dwarka,
What I have written about is fresh passport, and not about the one seeking renewal.
Please go ahead, and keep us in the loop. Will make an edit on the post based on your experience.
All the best.
🙂 Like Like
Hi Dwarak, Curious to know how it went. Did you face issues as you dint have the Annexure -F? Like Like
Same is my query. 🙂 I am waiting to hear too. Like Like Vidya RamachandranJust back from Bangalore PSK. After paying 2k online for a tatkal re-issue passport, I waited 1.5 hrs. First out in the sun, then standing inside with no organisation of Queues. Even smallest private bank has a token system for Queue.(And I do feel sad for the person sitting at the tatkal counter during lunch time facing every wrath and frustration of hungry, tired tatkal applicants. Lots to rant about, but the main thing I came here to rant was Annexure F. The reason quoted by the girl at the counter was, ‘the old passport was from a different state and rules vary’. All this while the normal tokens I overhear being counted moving up from 702 to 792 with in hours….. After that tiring adventure I am at my office writing this ….and thinking my next plans…….. And I want the passport by next month….. Like Like
Hey Vidya,
Which is why the blogpost; the rule doesn’t serve anyone.
I hope you get your passport soon. All the best! Like Like
Hi
I have a query that do I have to submit Annx F for my two months old daughter under Tatkal scheme ?Do minors need police verification certificate… After reading all the comments I’m so damn scared to even apply for the passport… Especially in Bangalore it’s too tough to get the passport with the required documents mentioned in website… The answer my sister when she went to apply was that rules change from state to state… WHAT. REALLY. 😜
Now I’m confused whether to apply in normal or Tatkal 😣😫 Like Like
Hey SB,
The rules do change from center to center; that is what the annoying part is.
I have no clue about rules regarding minors, but if you can apply through normal quota, then just avoid the hassle maybe? Like Liked by 1 person
For my “Verification Certificate” (Annexure F) in Tatkal passport application (Bikaji Kama place) I went and took it from my uncle who works under the “Ministry of Health & FW Govt. of India as Dy. Director (Admn), the question is will they accept my VC on my appointment day at the counter? Like Liked by 1 person
The question, my friend, is whether his designation is enlisted by the screenshot I have posted. If yes, then yes. If no, then no. P.S. Nothing against you, but what I mean by this post is, that if the rule is for ‘people with uncles’ in relevant positions, how does it help the common man? Like Like
Hi
Just curious, the FAQs on t passport website says Annexure F or Annexure I (which can be easily done) with three proofs out of 16 (listed over there). If I qualify for the 2nd (annexure I and proofs) one…wil they still ask for Annexure F. I don’t see any reason, why they should ask for one as it is written on their website. I have an appointment on 27 April. Now I am confused after reading this article because getting Annexure F would me more difficult that crossing border illegally ( Just Saying 🙂 ). Have you heard of any case where Annexure I along with 3 proofs would have sufficed. Here is a copy from FAQ page: Link: http://passportindia.gov.in/AppOnlineProject/online/faqServicesAvailable Q74: I am travelling very soon. How can I get a passport urgently?
OR
have to travel to the UK next week on a company assignment. I don’t have a passport. Can I get a new passport under the Tatkaal Scheme?
A: You can apply under the Tatkaal scheme, if you are eligible and have to pay the additional Tatkaal fee of Rs. 2,000. You must submit a Verification Certificate (as per Annexure “F”) or 3 out of 16 documents along with Standard Affidavit (as per Annexure “I”). To check the eligibility under the Tatkaal scheme, please refer Section D: Table 2 “List of Applicant Categories and Documents to be submitted” of the instruction booklet. To check the complete list of documents to be submitted along with the application form, please click on “Documents Required” link on Home page. Thanks Like Like
Well, the website says that Annexure F is optional, but in reality it is not. It is dependent on the PSK center. Please read the other comments as well to understand the possibilities. Like Like
hi there,
I also have the same query I have annex I and 3/16 documents, just wanted to know did you managed to crack the interview without annexure F. Like Like
Hi Ritwick,
Apparently the mandate for Annexure F depends from center to center, but is compulsory at most of them. Mine could not have gone ahead without it. For yourself, you will have to check at your center.
🙂 Like Like
I am really curious to know who designed these rules. He or she must be having the most brilliant mind on planet. I applied under Tatkal Scheme and getting this Annexure F is taking me 2 weeks. By the way I still haven’t been able to get the document signed by any First Class District Magistrate. So I think I should change the application to Normal mode. That may work, I hope. Please can somebody answer one small question……
When will we learn. Like Like
Hi Sudipta,
Yes; million dollar question you have there.
Maybe, tweet this to the ministery? Like Like
Hi Friends,
I applied passport In Tatkal scheme.Attended tge Appointment in Gurgaon PSK.Nobody asked from me to produce the Annex F all through at the appointment counter A,B,C..Finally the passport is issued at counter C and I got a mail within one day that New passport booked is already despatched.A post police verification shall be conducted but no one asked annex F in PSK.I don’t know whether the police officer who shall come to my home for verification shall ask or not to show annex F.I don’t have it and neither I know anyone who can give it to me.My question is that if annex F is compulsory then why the he’ll PSK didnot rejected my application in the first place or convert it to normal?But as such everything is going on tatkal basis imean passport is despatched in one day by speed post.so it is sure that the application type is still tatkal and not converted to normal.Can someone guide me on this that do I still need Annex F to shoe it during my PV at home?any comment on this regard shall be highly appreciated..Thanks in advance. Like Liked by 1 person
Not sure of any new changes that have happened. Please prod when they come for verification, and let is know too. You will save a lot of people undue stress. Like Like
CrazyTatkalHi Please let me know if Annexure F will be required for passport reissual from Ghaziabad PSK for adult? First passport before marriage was issued with police verification in haryana. So change of address and spouse name are main reasons for passport renewal. Like Like
Hi Crazy Tatkal,I faced this issue today and have logged in a grievance at http://pgportal.gov.in/GrievanceNew.aspx
The email, as per the status of the grievance, has gone directly to Joint Secretary PSP and CPO, Ministry of External Affairs. Would request all those who faced this issue to log in their grievance at the above website which seems to have been created by Govt. of India specifically for grievance redressal. Tried logging in this grievance at the passport website as well but kept getting a weird error. The exact email I sent was this – “I applied for a passport under the Tatkaal scheme (ARN: 16-1002518739) and as per the Document Advisor on the website, Annexure F is optional and 3 other documents out of a list of 16 can be submitted instead. However, when I went to PSK Bangalore Lalbagh today, the officer told me Annexure F is compulsory and that I have to reschedule my appointment. And I also later realised that it is impossible to get Annexure F if you do not know someone from the list of authorised signatories personally and that a lot of people face this issue. If this is the case why has MEA not done anything to inform people (through the website) that Annexure F is compulsory and that it can be obtained only if you know the authorised signatories personally. I have already lost a day and if I have to apply under the normal scheme now then my passport will be delivered much later than when I will actually need it. This confusion is causing a lot of pain for a lot of people who are already pressed for time or are facing an emergency situation because that’s the reason they apply under the Tatkaal scheme in the first place. The last thing they want to do is waste time because of conflicting information and running from one bureaucrat to another for getting an Annexure which I may finally not get. One solution is to simply update the website and let people know that Annexure F is compulsory and that you can obtain it only if you know the authorised signatory personally. People will then plan accordingly. Pls respect people’s time especially of those applying under Tatkaal. PS: By the way, there is something seriously wrong with the grievance redressal page on the official passport website as well – I could not log in this grievance there even after 10-12 attempts because of some special character related issue with the ‘Description’ box.” Hope this issue is resolved. Like Like
Hello BCP,
Like you, I too had made an effort. I tweeted it to Ms.Swaraj, who promptly looped in the office/officer in charge for the same. This happened on January 26th. But has there been an action since then?
You can guess the reply. Like Like
This approach of tatkal should be stopped immediately.as common person does not know these person all signing authority should be removed and prime minister name should be kept.there’s should be audit of who are the person that get tatkal passport.
During normal passport, verification can be done by local police then why same police can not do verification before normal passport.there’s should be form for that.then why passport officer does not demand that IG etc should always verify the normal passport application.basically propose is not identified why the passport tatkal is required. When mallya can easily move outside India, it indicates that propose tho stop passport is useless. Like Like
Hi! I did my bit by writing about this impracticality. You do your bit by sharing it on social media as much as possible?
🙂 Like Like
Good Samaritans do exist. Long live your tribe. Simple interventions but save lot of unnecessary work. Like Like
