Things were in order...

India then ... On those days when I have had got passport, we were supposed to be in front of the Passport office very early like 5 AM so that we can have some assurance about our application getting processed that day.

India now... Computers are coming handy and for sure they atleast help many immensely in such governmental offices. All we need to do is fill in our application online, book our appointments online, print it out & submit it with all additional documents. No huge queues, no hassles, no paying of 'additional' fees, no need to take service of others and when paying the amount the application form bar code is cross verified with details in the database. Sweet...

I think they can improve it some more just like how PAN applications or foreign Visa applications are being processed. The customers would have to pay ahead of time so that they won't miss (or mess with) their appointments. Atleast that'll reduce one more small queue & the waiting time for the same...