Life is better in blue
Manama : Finally, the Government of India changed its mind. They scrapped plans to issue Orange coloured passport to those who haven’t passed their class 10 examination. Besides, it has also decided not to discontinue the last page, with address and personal details, which is used a valid proof of address.
The government has said the new Orange passport were meant to protect vulnerable labourers from exploitation, but critics argued it would lead to discrimination against poor and illiterate workers.
In a statement yesterday, the foreign ministry said it had been decided to continue with the current practice of printing the last page of the passport and not to issue a separate passport with an orange jacket to ECR (Emigration Clearance Required) passport holders.
The announcement reversed the January 12 decision in which the MEA had done away with the printing of the last page of the passport that contains names of the parents of the passport applicant.
ECR or “Emigration Check Required” is for applicants who haven’t finished school and are travelling abroad for work. They have to get an ‘Emigration clearance’ certificate from the office of Protector of Emigrants before leaving India.
In light of new decision DT News spoke to members of the Indian community here to find out their views on the issue.
I personally feel there is no need to be different now. It’s not going to be useful as people are very well used to the current one. Too many changes in too short a time are only going to cause confusion and chaos. Moreover, we have many pressing issues and prioritising them is important. To me, this issue is low on priority.
Dr Ram Vatwani, Neurologist
Coming up with such an idea was terrible in the first place. If implemented, it would have been a total disaster. No such system exists anywhere in the world. Why should India bring it then? Such a system would have led to serious discrimination. I am glad that they have realised this. Still, there is no justification for what happened.
Basheer Ambalayi, Social Worker
I am glad that they have listened to our concerns and made the right decision. The concept of different colour passports would create discrimination towards certain sections. Nobody deserves to be seen differently or treated differently. I am glad that the decision was reversed.
Sudheer Thirunilath, Social Worker
I think it’s a wise decision, I do not approve of discrimination of any kind.
Ram Mohan Kutty, Managing Director of Kudos Travel and Tourism
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