Telangana Police Wins National Award for Excellence in Passport Verification Services

The Telangana Police has been honored with a prestigious national award, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to efficient public service. The ministry of external affairs (MEA) presented the Institutional Performance Award for State Police to the force in recognition of its exemplary standards in passport verification and the delivery of citizen-centric services.

The accolade was officially handed over by the Union external affairs minister, S. Jaishankar, to the Director General of Police, C.V. Anand. The presentation occurred during the high-profile Passport Seva Divas celebrations and the associated Passport Officers’ Conference, which took place at the Sushma Swaraj Bhavan in New Delhi.

Advanced Technology Driving Efficiency

This national recognition is primarily attributed to the Telangana Police's implementation of a highly responsive, transparent, and technology-driven passport verification system. During the 2025-26 fiscal period, the department demonstrated remarkable operational efficiency by successfully processing a total of 8,67,741 passport applications. Out of these, the force managed to complete the necessary police verification and clearance for 8,67,452 applications. This achievement highlights an impressive 99 percent disposal rate, with most cases being resolved within a rapid window of just five to seven days.

The backbone of this success is 'VeriFast,' an innovative AI-powered platform. Originally conceptualized and developed by C.V. Anand back in 2014 during his term as the Commissioner of Cyberabad, the system was subsequently adopted on a statewide level in 2015. By leveraging artificial intelligence, the VeriFast platform effectively cross-references applicant data against the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS), previous passport records, and other critical databases. This automation allows authorities to quickly identify any discrepancies or existing criminal antecedents, streamlining the entire vetting process.

The dedication to excellence demonstrated by the Telangana Police has now earned the department its seventh national-level recognition since 2015 for its superior work in passport verification services. According to the Director General of Police, this latest award stands as a testament to the ongoing professionalism, dedication, and citizen-focused approach maintained by the entire police force. By prioritizing speed and accuracy, the department has set a high benchmark for other state-level law enforcement agencies across the country.