Patna: A mobile passport service camp was held at Nalanda University, as part of the Indian government’s push to expand access to public services through its “Passport Seva – Passport at Your Doorstep” initiative.
Organised by the Regional Passport Office (RPO) in Patna under the Ministry of External Affairs, the one-day camp in Rajgir aimed to simplify passport applications for students, faculty and staff by bringing the process directly to the university campus. Officials said 55 people completed their applications during the event.
The university, a modern revival of the ancient Nalanda Mahavihara, is regarded as a symbol of India’s academic heritage and an emerging hub for international scholarship, attracting students from across the world.
The camp was inaugurated by Sibi George, secretary (west) at the external affairs ministry, alongside vice-chancellor Sachin Chaturvedi. Using a mobile passport van, applicants were able to complete documentation, biometric data collection and submission in one place, reducing the need for multiple visits to passport offices.
Officials said the initiative was particularly useful for students with demanding academic schedules, many of whom are planning to pursue higher education or research opportunities abroad. The event saw strong participation from those seeking to engage in international collaborations or explore global career pathways.
The outreach forms part of a broader effort by the Patna passport office to expand services across Bihar, particularly in areas with limited access to administrative infrastructure. Authorities at Nalanda University supported the organisation of the camp, which officials described as a coordinated effort to improve service delivery through institutional partnerships.
According to government data, more than 2,200 applications have been processed through 17 such mobile camps conducted by the Patna office across Bihar over the past two years, reflecting a wider attempt to make essential services more accessible and efficient.
