Transport Department keen to issue e-permits for autorickshaws

The Transport Department will approach the Election Commission (EC) seeking permission to issue e-permits for autorickshaw permit holders in the city after the event to inaugurate the scheme, scheduled last week, had to be called off as the model code of conduct for elections came into force.

The department has spent ₹70 lakh to issue e-permits for autorickshaws and was to re-issue the permits to 1.25 lakh permit holders after authenticating their records with the help of Aadhaar. The issuance of e-permits is expected to weed out fake permits in the city.

There are 1.82 lakh autorickshaws registered in the city. Officials said that over 50,000 autorickshaws are operating with fake permits or without permits.

“We are ready with the required infrastructure to issue the e-permits. There is a proposal to inaugurate the scheme with the approval of the government, but the minister will not be part of the event as the election code of conduct prohibits the participation of the minister. Higher-ups in the Transport Department, such as the Principal Secretary and the Transport Commissioner, will take part in the event,” said an official.

“To issue the e-permits, we have procured stationary from MSIL with several security features. We are planning to issue e-permits of A4 size for auto permit holders, which cannot be tampered with. If someone makes a photocopy of the permit, it will be easily identified,” the official explained, adding that the e-permits will be issued to existing permit holders free of cost.