Bhopal June 19, 2026

Madhya Pradesh Police has won the Ministry of External Affairs' Institutional Performance Award for the second consecutive year after securing first place nationally in passport verification among states handling fewer than five lakh applications during 2025-26. The award was presented by External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar in New Delhi, recognising the state's timely and efficient processing of passport verification requests.

The state police completed 3,35,647 passport verifications between April 2025 and March 2026. Officials said the verifications were carried out within prescribed timelines and quality standards, helping Madhya Pradesh retain the top position in its category.

The award was presented at a ceremony held at CB Muthamma Hall in Jawaharlal Nehru Bhawan, the headquarters of the Ministry of External Affairs. Madhya Pradesh was represented by Deputy Inspector General (Law and Order) Tarun Nayak and Assistant Inspector General (Special Branch Security) Rashmi Mishra.

Passport verification is a crucial stage in the passport issuance process. Faster and accurate verification helps reduce delays and improves citizen access to travel documents. The Ministry of External Affairs assesses state police performance annually on parameters related to efficiency and service delivery.

Officials said the achievement was made possible through coordinated efforts of district police units, the Special Branch and personnel involved in verification work across the state. The process includes field verification of applicants' identities, addresses and other required details before reports are sent to passport authorities.

Director General of Police Kailash Makwana congratulated officers and employees associated with passport verification. He said the award reflected the collective efforts and commitment of the police force towards citizen-centric services and timely delivery.

Madhya Pradesh Police had received the same national honour last year as well. By retaining the top position for a second consecutive year, the state has strengthened its record in one of the most widely used public service functions linked to citizens. Officials said efforts would continue to improve technology-based verification systems and maintain quick turnaround times for passport applicants across the state.