FPS

Free Passport Scheme

The scheme aims to facilitate higher education and global career opportunities for students by covering the cost of passport issuance. Under this scheme, final-year UG and PG students in government colleges receive reimbursement for passport application fees.

State Cash

States / UT: Haryana

Nodal department: Higher Education Department

Scheme for: Individual

Scheme profile

DBT (direct benefit transfer): No

Categories: Education & Learning, Travel & Tourism

Sub-categories: International education, Travel abroad

Target beneficiaries: Individual

Tags: Free Passport, Under Graduate, Post Graduate, Reimbursement, Student

Details

The "Free Passport Scheme" introduced by the Department of Higher Education, Government of Haryana, aims to encourage students to pursue higher education. Under this scheme, students in the final year of undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) courses in government colleges receive reimbursement for passport application fees. The concerned college will reimburse the passports free to the student who apply through as per scheme guidelines. The application procedure and processing time for getting passport are the same as for a regular passport.

Benefits

  • - Reimbursement of passport application fee of ₹1,500/- to eligible students. Mode of Disbursement: The reimbursement is provided through the respective college where the student is enrolled
  • Reimbursement of passport application fee of ₹1,500/- to eligible students.

Mode of Disbursement:
The reimbursement is provided through the respective college where the student is enrolled.

Eligibility

  1. The applicant should be a permanent resident of Haryana.
  2. The applicant should be a final-year student in a UG or PG course in a government college.
  3. The applicant should not possess an existing passport.

Note: The application procedure and processing time for getting passport are the same as for a regular passport.

Exclusions

  1. Students studying in private colleges are not eligible.
  2. Students who already hold a valid passport are not eligible.

Application Process

Online

Application Process:
Step 1: Register on the Passport Seva portal.
Step 2: You will get a login ID and password.
Step 3: Log in and choose the applicable options (e.g. Fresh).
Step 4: Fill in the required fields of the form with care and submit.
Step 5: Pay the fees and schedule an appointment on the Passport Seva portal. To do this, click on the ‘Pay and Schedule
Step 6: Appointment’ link within the ‘View Saved/Submitted Applications’ sections.
Step 7: Click on the ‘Print Application Receipt’. The receipt contains your Application Reference Number (ARN) or appointment number. It also mentions the time and date of your appointment.
Appointment Process:
Step 1: Go to the Passport Seva Kendra where the appointment has been booked.
Step 2: Remember to carry the originals of the documents that you provided for your application. To be on the safe side, carry some self-attested copies as well.
Step 3: Carry a copy of the online payment receipt as well. An SMS receipt will do as well.
Step 4: Head to the pre-verification counter to collect your token.
Step 5: When it is your turn (as per the token), go to counter A to submit your documents.
Step 6: Following this, you will be called to Counter B. Here a verification officer will verify the documents and details you have submitted.
Step 7: Finally, a granting officer will review your application and decide whether or not to grant your application. Upon approving your application, the granting officer will send a request for police verification of your case.
Once your police verification report comes in and it is clear, the authorities issue your passport. It gets printed, laminated, and finally dispatched to your address. The whole process takes anywhere between 25 and 30 days under the normal mode.
REIMBURSEMENT OF PASSPORT FEE
The Government of Haryana will bear the cost of the passport fee. After issuance of the Passport, the Student needs to apply for the reimbursement of the fee. The college will reimburse the fee to the student who applied through this portal.
Step 1: Visit the Official Website of the Free Passport Scheme.
Step 2: Click on the " Apply for Passport Fees Reimbursement."
Step 3: You will land on the Login Page. Login using your login credentials (Credentials are the same as "ERP Portal" for Login).
Step 4: Fill out the Fee Reimbursement Form upload a copy of the passport and click on submit.

Verification by College

The college will verify the details of the student who applied for fee reimbursement.

Payment Challan Generation by Head Office

After verification, the college will generate the Challan/EPS on the eSalary website.

Fee Reimbursement from the Treasury

After clearance of the bill from the treasury, the amount will be credited to the student.

Clarifications

Additional points from the scheme information published on myScheme (not legal advice).

What is the Free Passport Scheme, and who implements it?
The Free Passport Scheme is an initiative by the Department of Higher Education, Government of Haryana, to reimburse passport fees for final-year UG and PG students in government colleges.
Who is eligible to apply for the Free Passport Scheme?
Final-year UG and PG students studying in government colleges in Haryana are eligible. The applicant must be a permanent resident of Haryana or have completed Class 10 from the Haryana Board of School Education.
Is the scheme available for students of private colleges?
No, the scheme is only available for students enrolled in government colleges in Haryana.
What expenses does the Free Passport Scheme cover?
The scheme reimburses the passport application fee of ₹1,500 for eligible students after the successful issuance of the passport.
Do students need to pay the passport fee first and then apply for reimbursement?
Yes, students must pay the passport application fee during the application process and later apply for reimbursement through their respective colleges.
How can a student apply for passport fee reimbursement?
Students must log in to the Department Portal, fill out the Fee Reimbursement Form, and upload a copy of their issued passport.
What happens after a student submits the reimbursement application?
The college verifies the student's details. After verification, the college generates a Challan/EPS on the eSalary website for processing by the head office.
When will students receive the reimbursement amount?
After the bill is cleared by the treasury, the reimbursed amount will be credited directly to the student's bank account.
What documents are required to apply for the passport?
Students need an Aadhaar Card, proof of address, birth certificate or secondary school certificate, student ID card, bona fide certificate, and attested photocopies of certificates from the institution.
Is there a minimum attendance requirement to be eligible for the scheme?
Yes, students must have a minimum of 80% attendance in the academic year to qualify.
How long does it take for the passport to be issued?
The passport issuance process takes approximately 25 to 30 days under the normal application mode.
Where should students submit their passport application?
Students must apply through the Passport Seva portal, fill in the required details, schedule an appointment, and visit the Passport Seva Kendra with the necessary documents.
What happens if a student's reimbursement application is rejected?
If the application is rejected due to incorrect or missing details, students should contact their college authorities for clarification and reapply if necessary.
Can a student apply if they already hold a passport?
No, the scheme is only applicable to students applying for a passport for the first time.

References

Apply

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Documents Required for Government Schemes

Most government schemes require basic documents for verification. While the exact requirements vary, common documents include:

  • Aadhaar Card
  • Income Certificate
  • Caste Certificate (if applicable)
  • Residence Proof
  • Bank Account Details
  • Educational Certificates (for student schemes)

How to Apply for Government Schemes?

The application process for government schemes may be online or offline depending on the scheme. In most cases, you can follow these steps:

  1. Check eligibility criteria
  2. Collect required documents
  3. Fill the application form
  4. Submit the application online or at the relevant office
  5. Track application status