Kochi: The Motor Vehicles Department has cleared the huge backlog in the issuance of driving licences and is set to issue new licences in card form using new ‘Sarathi’ software from August 1.
Over 50, 000 applications were pending with the RTO offices a couple of months back after migration to the new software went awry.
“We reverted to the old method of issuing licence from the respective RTO offices in laminated paper form after the applications piled up. The paper-rolls and other stationery for printouts were supplied to the RTO and sub-RTO offices on a war-footing. A dedicated effort has resulted in the clearance of the backlog. Now those who pass driving test can obtain their licence the next day,” said Rajeev Puthalath, Joint Transport Commissioner.
The crisis has eased in regions like Ernakulam where the maximum driving licence and registration certificate applications are received. “Unlike other regions we’ve enough personnel strength and cleared all pending applications. Now the licences are issued in paper form on the same day itself on the candidate passing the test,” said Ernakulam RTO Joji P. Jose.
Meanwhile, the department will start centralised issuance of licences in new PVC card form from August 1. “We’ll complete integration of the new software by this month- end and have already fixed technical glitches. The issuance of card form licences will start by next month. The quotation for licence distribution will be awarded in a day or two,” Rajeev Puthalath said.
The central government launched two new schemes ‘Vaahan’ for vehicle registration and ‘Sarathi’ for licensing in March last. The new driving licence has security features like QR Code, hologram, Guilloche pattern, micro-lines, golden national emblem and micro test with international error among others.
