Printing of Driving Licenses, Smart Cards To Be Held in Mumbai, Nagpur, Aurangabad, Pune Excluded
PUNE: There has been a severe shortage of driving licenses and registration smart cards in the state. As a result, the state Transport Department has entered into an agreement with a new company to exclusively print smart cards in Mumbai, Nagpur, and Aurangabad, excluding Pune from this. The transport commissioner has confirmed this decision.Â
Currently, there is a shortage of smart cards in the Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) across the state. This has resulted in citizens waiting for up to two months to receive their license and registration smart cards. In response, the Transport Department has terminated its agreement with previous companies and signed a new agreement with Manipal Technologies, a company based in Karnataka.
Starting August 21, Manipal Technologies will take over the printing of smart cards. Until then, the previous companies will continue printing them. The printing of smart cards will happen only in Mumbai, Nagpur, and Aurangabad. However since Pune has been excluded, it has caused controversy. Congress MLA Ravindra Dhangekar has raised this issue in the Legislative Assembly, and numerous organizations in Pune have campaigned against this decision. However, despite these efforts, Pune has not been chosen as a location for printing smart cards.
Sanjeev Bhor, the Deputy Commissioner of the RTO, stated, ”Digital printing will enhance the speed of smart card production. The printing will be carried out in Mumbai, Nagpur, and Aurangabad. It is important to note that the Transport Department did not influence the selection of these cities. Regardless of where the smart cards are printed, they will be delivered to residents through Speed Post at their homes.”
Raju Ghatole, the President of the Motor Driving School Owners Association in Maharashtra, expressed concern saying, ”Manipal Technologies, based in Karnataka, will be printing 50,000 smart cards per day. Pune, which contributes significantly to the state’s revenue, should not be excluded. With around 20,000 new vehicle registrations and 32,000 license registrations occurring every month, Pune plays a crucial role. Excluding Pune could potentially cause significant problems for citizens if any corrections to the smart cards are needed. We did not receive any response despite of sending written complaint to assembly ”
