compuser1973,
I think by "separate rules" you are basically referring to the Fees charged under
RTI 2005.
If that is correct, then your suggestion will not only be unfair but will also be against the basic principle of "Equality" enshrined in our constitution. Indian Citizens cannot be discriminated on the basis of their "location". The Fees are same everywhere. The only exception is for Below Poverty Line (BPL) applicants, which you will agree, is very fair.
Passport Services and Miscellaneous Services available to Indian Citizens at High Commissions, Embassies & Consulates, cost the same. If a Indian Citizen applies for a "new booklet", whether in London, Washington DC or Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Canary Islands), the charges are same. The differences (sometimes minor and sometimes major) occur due to exchange rate fluctuations (which are very common these days) and due to Indian Diplomats not changing the "Fees structure" frequently, as per exchange rate fluctuations, due to administrative and procedural reasons (everything needs clearance from New Delhi).
If you read the Indian Press , you would have noticed that the US Embassy issues press statements changing the Visa Fees once in a few months because of Exchange rate fluctuations. It is a different matter that they have not reduced the Visa Fees (in Indian Rupees, because the fees in US Dollars is constant), when the Indian Rupee has strengthened from 45 to 40.......but then, they are not covered under
RTI Act 2005 (LOL).
Practically, I completely agree with you that the US$ 0.24 is ridiculously low, but a rule is a rule.
You might also be interested in reading the following threads:
http://www.rtiindia.org/forum/ask-rt...about-rti.html http://www.rtiindia.org/forum/ask-rt....html#post3599