- Honest Officer
- 10 years ago
- 4933 views
It was three years back (exactly in the year 2010), when i had to…
It was three years back (exactly in the year 2010), when i had to suddenly apply for my passport as I was awarded with fellowship to go to US for masters degree. Thus far, i never thought of having a passport. Now, suddenly i needed it and had to apply Tatkal passport, which required Annexure F. After several rounds of queries and efforts elsewhere, I was directed to go to local police station at Kota, Udupi. There I met Sub Inspector Mr. Mahesh Prasad. It was only second time in police station and my uncle accompanied me ( Before this, i tried the same process in a local police station in Udaipur, Rajasthan accompanied by my senior colleague, only to find out that i am eligible to get such F form in my native place). As I explained him the situation, he suggested me different procedure unaware of exact procedure. When i insisted him that he can issue such recommendation for getting F form, he called the SP office to get exact procedure. Then he explained the exact procedure and asked me to get few paper works to be done. Next time when i went alone to get his signature and reports, he was ready to leave for rounds. When i met him near his jeep, he waited for his officers to complete some paper works, signed the papers, and left the station. I was so impressed by this officers helpfulness, commitment and sincerity. I never felt I was in police station for two times i went there. In fact, within two visits he made the work done. After he left, a constable who was doing all the writings, asked me money for the all the photocopies work. In fact, I paid Rs.200/- to him reluctantly. Had this officer there, I would not have to pay that money. Before he was leaving for his rounds, he explained me the all the procedures ahead before I get the Annexure F from Tehsildar. In fact, I should also mention that the tehsildar I met also was cordial. When I explained to him my case, he directed me the route. With all the papers I submitted in his office, he gave me annexure F. I did not even pay anything even in Tehsildar's office. Finally, I got my talkaal passport within 7 days of my application, though I had to run a lot here and there. Sometimes, I feel all that these procedural requirements make people to demand and pay bribes. But few officers like S.I Mr. Mahesh Prasad and the tehsildar of Udupi stand in the right place and stature, makes us believe true sense of democracy and public services.