Union Government asks State Governments to implement smart card based issuance of driving licenses by December end


24 sept 2009 18:17 IST
The Centre has asked State Governments to implement the smart card based issuance of driving licenses by 31st December, 2009. The scheme would ensure uniformity and inter- operability through out the country. The deadline was given at the meeting of the Principal Secretary / Secretary / Commissioner (Transport) of all the States / UTs held under the Chairmanship of Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways on Thursday in Delhi.

Various other issues such as new National Permit regime, issues relating to High Security Registration Plate scheme, implementation of IT projects like creation of State Registers / National Register of Driving License(DL) & Registration Certificates(RC) and provision for adequate transport facilities for women were discussed at the meeting.

There was unanimity among the States to evolve a system for seamless movement of goods vehicles across the country and to make the National Permit truly national in character. It was decided that the States would consider the new composite fee regime of Rs.15, 000/- per annum per truck authorizing operations throughout the country. The States / UTs would take necessary measures to shift to e-payment system of collection of composite fee. At present, the National Permit is issued for operation in a minimum of 3 contiguous states besides the home state chosen by the applicant for such a permit.

It was also decided that the committee earlier constituted by the Ministry on the modalities of implementation of the High Security Registration Plate (HSRP) scheme would also come out with model terms and conditions of the tender to be followed by States / UTs. The recommendations of the Committee would be only suggestive in nature. The deliberations of the Committee would be an exercise exclusive of the independent decisions to be taken by individual States and UTs. It was left to the States to take a judicious decision to implement the directions of the Supreme Court on HRSP and in case they decide to keep the implementation on hold, the responsibility would squarely lie on them.

The State Governments were also asked to take various measures such as increase in frequency of special buses for women, special peak hour service, re-designing of routes keeping in view the safety of women and the demand for such services to enhance passenger transport facility for working women. States and UTs were asked to seek involvement of the employers to provide pick and drop facility for women.

RS