Police Clearance Certificate application process to go online

Mumbaikars looking to work abroad will soon be able to apply for a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) online. The Mumbai police took the landmark step and hopes to reduce the period of 60-90 days that is required for the manual process to about three days.

The Mumbai police rolled out the new feature on Thursday said the decision was taken to reduce numerous visits the applicant had to make to various offices to procure the certificate. “We did some research on the issue and found that an applicant had to visit the head office and then the police stations at least three to four times to submit documents, check on the progress and then finally to get the same. We thought about how we could simplify the process and came up with the online application submission process,” said Ankush Shinde, DCP (Special Branch-1).

The PCC, also popularly known as the character certificate, is needed if an Indian national wants to visit a foreign country for any reason other than being a tourist. Those looking for employment, residential status or long-term visas in a foreign country need to procure the certificate.

Before the online process kicked in, the applicant had to visit the office of the Special Branch with his documents; the SB office would then send these to the affiliated police station. The cops would then conduct a verification of the criminal history and background of the applicant and also follow up with the applicant. Once the background was cleared, the police station would send the documents with the verified details back to the SB office; who would then issue the certificate.

“This whole process would require at least 60 to 90 days and sometimes more. With every visit, the applicant would spend at least '300-400. All of this is cut down via the online procedure,” said R.D. Shinde, additional commissioner of police (Central Region) who has the additional charge of SB-1.

Explaining the online process, Mr Shinde said, “The applicant uploads all his documents, which is first checked by SB -1 officials and then transferred to the said police station and once their verification process is complete, they upload the same online. We check the verified details and issue the PCC. The applicant will receive an application number on his registered cellphone number and email ID which he can use to track the application.”

Mr Shinde added that the process was safe and secure and the document would have a digital signature and could be used by the applicant by taking a print of the same.