Amid fresh controversy over the 'lotus' symbol being printed on new passports, the Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday said it was part of the enhanced security features to identify fake passports. The clarification came a day after Congress member M.K. Raghavan raised the issue in the Lok Sabha.
"This symbol is our national flower and is part of the enhanced security features to identify fake passports," said MEA Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar. He said other national symbols would also be used on rotation.
“Right now it is lotus and then next month there will be something else. These are symbols connected with India such as national flower or national animal," Kumar said.
He said these security features have been introduced as part of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) guidelines.
The Congress party had on Wednesday sought a high-level probe into the printing of 'lotus symbol' on new passports being distributed in Kozhikode.
Raising the issue in the Lok Sabha, Raghavan termed it as “further saffronisation” of the government establishment and demanded immediate withdrawal of the booklets.
The 'lotus' is seen printed inside a rectangle on the page that carries the passport officer's signature and seal are seen. According to local media, the staff at the passport office were unable to clarify the issue when some people pointed it out.
