Koraput: The axe looms large over the Passport Seva Kendra here just over a year after it was inaugurated.
Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated the facility at the Koraput head post office in May 2017. But employees fear that the centre would face closure if adequate staff members were not posted at the earliest.
According to official sources, two officials from the regional passport office, Bhubaneswar, were posted on deputation at the centre since its inception. However, on April 30, the two officials were recalled to their original posting, while two staff members of the post office were appointed in their place.
"Two of our staff members were trained for five days at the regional passport office in Bhubaneswar and they have been running the centre since May 1," said N.N. Sarma, head post office postmaster.
Sarma said the problem had arisen as one of the two staff members is in line for a promotion in July and will be transferred.
"If one of them is transferred on promotion, then it will be difficult for us to run the centre and we may have to close it down," Sarma said.
He said the authorities either had to retain the promoted official in a higher rank at the centre or appoint a new official at the earliest.
"We have apprised the matter to the authorities concerned, but no steps have been taken. If no new posting is given before June 30, then we would be compelled to close down the centre from July 1," Sarma said.
The centre serves the people from tribal-dominated Koraput, Rayagada, Malkangiri and Nabarangpur districts. On average, it authorises around 500 passports every month. Local activists have also demanded swift action to ensure that the centre was not closed.
"Earlier, people were dependant on the centre in Bhubaneswar, 500km from here, for their passports. The establishment of the centre here reduced the need to travel to avail of the service. The problem in getting passports was solved locally. Hence, all efforts must be done to ensure that the centre is not closed," said Ajit Patra, an activist here.
