Sri Vijaya Puram, June 23: The Andaman & Nicobar Administration has received national recognition from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for its efforts to strengthen passport service delivery and improve public access to essential government services across the island territory.
The Administration was conferred with a Plaque of Appreciation during the Regional Passport Officers’ Conference and Passport Seva Divas 2026 held in New Delhi on June 19. The award recognised the Administration’s performance, service standards and contribution to good governance in delivering passport-related services to residents of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands during 2025–26.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar presented the award, acknowledging the Administration’s role in ensuring efficient and citizen-focused passport services despite the geographical challenges associated with serving a remote island Union Territory.
The recognition highlights the coordinated efforts of the Andaman & Nicobar Administration, the Regional Passport Office, Postal Services and other stakeholders involved in the implementation of passport services across the islands. Authorities have continued to work towards improving accessibility and ensuring timely delivery of passport-related services to residents spread across the archipelago.
The award comes as passport services assume greater significance for island residents seeking opportunities in international travel, education, employment, business and tourism. As mobility and global engagement continue to expand, access to efficient passport services has become increasingly important for citizens living in geographically isolated regions.
The Administration’s efforts have focused on maintaining transparency, improving service delivery standards and making passport-related procedures more accessible to the public. The recognition from the Ministry of External Affairs reflects these measures and acknowledges the role of local institutions in supporting the national passport service framework.
The Administration stated that the award underscores the importance of collaborative governance and public service delivery. It also credited the collective contribution of departments, personnel and police authorities associated with the Passport Seva Programme for helping achieve the recognition.
Officials noted that the honour serves as an acknowledgement of sustained efforts to provide reliable passport services across the islands while addressing the logistical and administrative challenges unique to the region.
Expressing gratitude for the recognition, the Administration reiterated its commitment to further improving public service delivery and ensuring that citizens continue to receive passport services with greater ease, efficiency and convenience.
The award reflects the combined efforts of all agencies associated with the Passport Seva Programme and reinforces the guiding principle of “Together We Serve, Together We Excel” in delivering citizen-centric services across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
