Pune: A recent decision by the Maharashtra state Transport Department to print driving licence and registration smart cards exclusively in Mumbai, Nagpur, and Aurangabad, while excluding Pune, has stirred up controversy and raised concerns among citizens. The move comes in response to a severe shortage of smart cards in the state’s Regional Transport Offices (RTOs), causing delays of up to two months for citizens awaiting their licence and registration smart cards. The Transport Department has now partnered with Manipal Technologies, a Karnataka-based company, to address the shortage and improve the printing process. The new company is set to start printing smart cards from August 21, with the printing services available only in Mumbai, Nagpur, and Aurangabad. This decision has sparked criticism, particularly from Pune, as residents and officials voice their dissatisfaction with the exclusion of the city from the list of printing locations.
The decision to limit smart card printing to specific cities has caused concern and uproar, particularly in Pune, where citizens have expressed disappointment and frustration. Congress MLA Ravindra Dhangekar raised the issue in the Legislative Assembly, drawing attention to the dissatisfaction among citizens. Various organizations in Pune also launched campaigns in protest, urging the inclusion of Pune in the list of printing locations. Despite these efforts, the Transport Department has confirmed that Pune will not be part of the selected printing locations.
Transport Commissioner Vivek Bhimanvar addressed the issue, stating that the choice of printing locations was at the discretion of the selected company. He emphasized that the Transport Department did not interfere in the decision and that residents across the state would receive their smart cards through Speed Post, regardless of the printing location. The new smart card has undergone chemical testing and is set to begin printing from August 21.
Bhimanvar further explained that the responsibility for printing smart cards lies with the company, which has chosen the three convenient locations. With an annual requirement of 40 to 50 lakh smart cards in the state, the decision aims to streamline the printing process and ensure timely delivery to citizens. The decision to exclude Pune has been met with opposition, with Raju Ghatole, President of the Motor Driving School Owners Association in Maharashtra, advocating for the continuation of smart card printing in RTOs. He highlighted concerns about potential changes to the smart card and the impact of the decision on Pune residents, given the city’s significant contribution to state government revenue.
While the decision to limit smart card printing to specific cities aims to address the current shortage, it has sparked a debate over the exclusion of Pune. As the implementation of the new printing arrangement approaches, citizens and officials continue to voice their opinions on the matter, highlighting the importance of accessible and efficient services for all residents across Maharashtra.
