India, June 25 -- The Centre has revised passport fees across categories, with the new rates set to come into effect from July 1, according to a notification issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

Under the revised fee structure, the cost of a fresh or reissued 36-page passport for adults will increase from Rs.1,500 to Rs.2,500, while the fee for a 60-page passport will rise from Rs.2,000 to Rs.3,500.

The notification comes amid a fresh controversy over whether passports can be considered valid proof of citizenship.

Applicants aged 18 years and above, as well as those aged between 15 and 18 years applying under the adult category, will have to pay significantly higher fees from next month.

A fresh or reissued 36-page passpo...