Now, MEA app to tell you about your passport status

New Delhi: Have an android or iOS platforms phone? Then tracking your passport application will be just a matter of pushing some buttons with Ministry of External Affairs today launching a mobile application.In the next couple of months, people will be able to even apply for passport through their phone. For the first time in the world, a country's Foreign Ministry has been able to integrate and consolidate its entire digital presence in one's hand, thanks to 'MEAIndia' app.[caption id="attachment_994871" align="alignleft" width="380"]

Foreign secretary Ranjan Mathai. Image courtesy PIB[/caption]The MEA envisages the application be a "one-stop shop" for you.From getting updates from all the 124 Indian missions in the world, to getting information for consular access in case you are abroad, to booking yourself for the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra, everything is now available on your fingertips."It's a one stop shop to give you all you need to know," said outgoing foreign secretary Ranjan Mathai after inaugurating the app at an event in New Delhi. He retires 31 July.And in what could be a record of sort, the mobile application project was completed in just a little under six months.The MEA is the first government department to have a mobile app for smartphone users. It will provide details of all citizen-centric services of the MEA like passport, visa for those travelling to India and Haj related details among others. "We were a little reticent when we started this process about six months ago... and it is over in little less than six months," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said.The main people behind the creation are two young techies from Silver Touch Technologies—Prakash Srivastava and Sarla Meghnani—and young IFS officer Vishnu Vardhan Reddy besides Akbaruddin and Mathai.Besides providing a vast information on India's foreign policies and activities, one can even take part in quiz and win Rs 1,000 e-vouchers for buying books. PTI