Udaipur, December 6 (Vikas Bokdia): Fresh controversy has erupted over the shifting of the Udaipur Passport Seva Kendra (PSK), as serious contradictions have emerged between statements made in Parliament and the actual ground situation. On December 5, 2025, in reply to a question by MP Dr. Mannalal Rawat, the Ministry of External Affairs claimed that the Udaipur PSK has been shifted to a larger premises with upgraded infrastructure. However, this is the same question that was raised by the MP in November 2024, when the ministry had stated that the proposal for shifting and upgradation was “under consideration”.

This has raised a key public question — has any real upgradation actually taken place, or was the centre merely shifted and shown as an upgradation?

In 2017, the Udaipur Municipal Corporation had handed over a community hall to the government for just Re 1 for setting up the Passport Seva Kendra. Local residents gave up this public facility in the interest of public convenience. Later, when operations were handed over to the private company TCS, the company occupied the building for nearly three years without paying rent. When the corporation demanded rent, the company reportedly made excuses and later quietly shifted its office to a mall complex.

This shifting process is now being presented in Parliament as an “upgradation”, even though it had earlier created major controversy in the city. The inauguration of the new centre was repeatedly delayed and was ultimately carried out quietly by officials nearing retirement, without any public programme.

According to civic records, rent amounting to several lakhs of rupees is still outstanding against TCS, for which the municipal corporation has already issued notices. Without clearing these dues, the company vacated the Subhash Nagar community building and left. It is being alleged that this happened under the protection of influential political leaders and senior officials. During this entire period, the local MP remained silent.

At that time, TCS had cited the presence of snakes and foul drainage smell as reasons for shifting the centre. However, the public is questioning why the same building continued to be used for three years if it was unfit. The inauguration at the new mall premises was also conducted quietly.

MP’s Silence and Parliamentary Confusion
Last year, the MP had asked whether the Udaipur PSK would be upgraded into a Regional Passport Office. This year, the question was limited only to “when it will be upgraded”. When TCS occupied the public building and outstanding rent accumulated, no protest was raised. Earlier, Rajya Sabha MP Chunnilal Garasiya had also raised the same issue, but no clear reply was given.

The public is now questioning whether this matter has been reduced to a mere formality on paper. Who is responsible for the alleged loss running into crores of rupees? Why are thousands of people still forced to travel to Jaipur and Kota for passport-related work? When will Udaipur actually get a full-fledged Regional Passport Office?

The city feels cheated once again. The continued silence of elected representatives and officials has further deepened public anger and distrust. Udaipur is now asking — how long will the city’s voice go unheard, and how long will such issues be pushed under the carpet?

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