Couple applying for PIO card humiliated

Claim that FRRO officers were not cooperative on their first visit and even shouted at them on their second visit to the office

Couple applying for PIO card humiliated

Claim that FRRO officers were not cooperative on their first visit and even shouted at them on their second visit to the office

A couple approaching the Regional Registration Offices (FRRO) Bangalore office for a Person of Indian Origin (PIO) card, claim that they were harassed by officers on two different occasions. Venkatesh G (35) married Gracy (34) (name changed), a US national in 2009 and brought her to India in August 2010 and wanted to have his marriage registered in India, for which he required the PIO card.u00a0

Access denied : The couple says that they fail to understand why rules
change from officer to officer. Pic/file pic
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Venkatesh said, "I took my wife to the FRRO office for getting a PIO card as she wanted to stay in India with me. We took all documents, including our marriage certificate issued by the Probate court and the postmarked envelope, which was mailed by the Probate Court."

Gracy added, "The first time we went to register and enquire about the legal procedures, they gave us an extension form to fill. When we asked what was to be filled in the space provided for 'Registration Number', they told us not to worry about it, and just fill in the other details." According to the couple, the second visit to the FRRO office turned out to be a nightmare for them. They enquired about the status of their application and were asked by the officer at the desk for the registration number.

"This surprised us because when we were there to fill out the details for the first time, they had asked us to get an extension first. I wonder how the rules change from officer to officer. Apart from that we had to walk out of the office feeling humiliated because the officers yelled at us without listening to what we wanted exactly," said Venkatesh.

Officers at FRRO had also told the couple that their marriage documents were unacceptable because it hadnot been approved by the Indian Consulate. "We have looked at several websites and have even checked the PIO application and the checklist. Nowhere has it been mentioned that the legal marriage documents must be approved by the Consulate," he added.

When MiD DAY contacted FRRO Chief Soumendu Mukherjee, he said, "I have not come across any such incident. Every day we issue hundreds of PIO cards. There might be some confusion, I will take up the matter and look into it. Let them come and meet me, and I will help them out."