Shortage of booklets delays issue of passports

February 1, 2014

Mangalore, Feb 1: Applied for a passport recently? Expect a considerable delay before you get it.

The Nashik-based Indian Security Press (ISP), the only place where passports are printed in the country, was shut for a couple of weeks due to the shortage of a special raw material. Though the printing of passports resumed last week, the shutdown and the resultant backlog means lakhs of applicants will have to wait longer before getting the all-important document.

A source from ISP said the special material is imported from foreign countries. It was made available after the external affairs ministry intervened.

An urgent meeting of ministry officials was called in Delhi a few days ago.

“The material was provided to ISP after the meeting and the printing resumed on January 21. ISP officials have been told to print more passport booklets in the coming days to deal with the shortage,” said a senior ministry official.

Lakhs of people have been affected because of the ISP shutdown. At the Delhi centre, 25,000 new applicants are waiting for their passports. “The scenario will continue for a couple of weeks across the country,” an official said.

P S Karthigeyan, Regional Passport Officer (RPO), said the India Security Press in Nashik was not supplying enough books. “Over the last few weeks it has been unable to print passports. We took up the issue with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Delhi and were told printing had resumed from January 21,” he said.

Passport offices across the country have not been able to keep to their schedule of issuing passports because of the press problem.

The ISP is responsible for printing security papers, judicial and non-judicial stamp papers, RBI and SBI cheque books, postage stamps, passports, promissory notes, postal orders, savings certificates and other security documents.

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Warning! Cancer-causing chemicals found in bakery products, especially cakes in Karnataka

News Network

October 3,2024

Bengaluru: The Karnataka Food Safety and Quality Department has issued an urgent warning following the discovery of potentially cancer-causing chemicals in cakes sold by certain bakeries across the state.

Recent tests conducted by the department revealed that some cake samples, particularly those with vibrant colors, contain harmful synthetic coloring agents such as Allura Red, a substance known to pose health risks. The findings have raised concerns about the use of artificial colors in bakery products, especially given their potential link to cancer and other serious health conditions.

"We routinely test various food products, and this time, our officials noticed unusually dark-colored cakes on the market," said Srinivas K, Commissioner of Food Safety for Karnataka. "Upon testing, we found that a few cakes contained Allura Red, a synthetic dye associated with health risks."

The use of artificial colors, especially in popular cakes like red velvet and pineapple varieties, is widespread as it attracts customers, particularly children. However, many bakers prefer using natural, safer alternatives, while some opt for synthetic dyes to enhance the cake's visual appeal.

"Most bakeries use permissible, natural colors that are safe for consumption. Unfortunately, a few are resorting to synthetic dyes just to make their cakes more attractive," said a bakery owner from Electronic City, speaking anonymously.

Medical experts are warning that consuming synthetic colors can lead to numerous health issues, including asthma and allergic reactions.

"Some of these artificial dyes are carcinogenic, and prolonged exposure could have serious consequences, especially for children and young adults," cautioned Dr. Vandana G, a private medical practitioner.

While the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) confirms that only a limited number of samples tested positive for harmful colors, legal action is being taken against the violators.

"There is no need for widespread panic or halting production. We are closely monitoring the situation, and only a few bakeries were found to be non-compliant. Rest assured, appropriate legal measures are underway," assured an FSSAI official.

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