NEW DELHI: In a strategic move aimed at curbing predatory pricing, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India has introduced stringent rules governing the selection of partner visas and consular services for the Indian diaspora and foreign visitors. This initiative is part of MEA's commitment to providing exceptional services to Indians migrating abroad and foreign nationals visiting India. The overarching goal is to bolster India's global image and reputation by making its services more robust, seamless, and reliable.
Notably, Indian Missions under the MEA serve as the initial touchpoints for all international travelers entering India. This includes Indian citizens, Persons of Indian Origin (PIO), and foreigners residing overseas.
Jyoti Mayal, President of the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), lauded this transformational program by the MEA. She explained that the reform aims to enhance the tendering and evaluation process comprehensively, ensuring the selection of the most suitable outsourced service providers. While cost competitiveness (L1 pricing) remains a focal point, the program places strong emphasis on four key pillars: Quality Services, Sustainable and Viable Pricing, Data Protection and Security, and Ethical Practices and Integrity.
Jyoti Mayal, President, of the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) stated, “The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has embarked on a transformational program to reform and strengthen its tendering and evaluation process in a holistic manner to select the right outsourced service providers. While the focus lies on L1 pricing, there is a strong emphasis on the four pillars of Quality Services, Sustainable and Viable Price, Data Protection and Security, and Ethical Practices and Integrity.”
Mayal stressed the importance of providing superior, efficient, and cost-effective services, as the first impression of any individual traveling to India or interacting with an Indian Mission abroad must be impeccable. She emphasized that the government is committed to delivering on the promise of a "New India," and this begins with its missions offering top-notch services.
Furthermore, India is positioning itself as a global leader in various sectors, including trade, cross-border services, and citizen services. As the nation strives for high momentum growth, it becomes vital to proactively address factors that could hinder progress and potentially harm the government's reputation. Therefore, ensuring the quality, reliability, and credibility of service providers engaged by the government is paramount.
Mayal underlined that effective service delivery is not only about maintaining confidence and trust in the government's capabilities but also about wise utilization of public resources to provide citizens with the best possible value for money. This renewed focus on quality aligns with India's vision for excellence across sectors, which is vital in building its global stature.
In conclusion, the MEA's initiative to strengthen visa and consular services signifies a proactive step towards enhancing India's image and reputation on the global stage. By prioritizing quality, data protection, and ethical practices, India aims to not only attract international travelers but also to ensure that its citizens and visitors receive services that align with international standards. This strategic move underscores India's commitment to becoming a global leader in various domains while delivering value and trust to its citizens and the international community.
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