"I don`t deny the fact that the option of smartcard may not be in the law, but it is necessary as it is people-friendly and ensures safety of vehicle papers," Jadhav said.
The senior official was in the city on Wednesday to review the performance of Amravati and Nagpur regions.
The government has already filed an affidavit in a petition (899/2004) Grahak Kalyan Parishad vs State of Maharashtra 2004 stating that smartcard is optional. Jadhav was additional transport commissioner then. The petition is still pending in high court.
Jadhav spoke on various issues pertaining to his department. He said your trips to RTO offices in the state may reduce with his department gearing up to launch e-payment facility to pay taxes and registration fees.
In a bid to ease congestion and role of touts in RTOs, plans are afoot to introduce e-payment facility. "Nagpur, which has exceeded the revenue target by 20-25%, has good scope and much needs to be done here," he stressed.
"We have already launched the e-payment system in Mumbai. A software named `Grahak` has been developed and a tie-up with five banks will be done. We expect to ease 50% congestion in RTOs with the launching of new facility," Jadhav said.
Steps are being taken to eliminate touts` presence. Soon the registration certificates (RC) books, receipts and vehicle papers will be sent by post. "We are roping in the department of posts or a private party to despatch documents to vehicle owners," he said.
The department is also planning to introduce a system of online tests to issue learning licences in the next three months. The procedure is already in place in Mumbai, Thane, Kolhapur and Aurangabad RTOs. "We plan to start online tests in Nagpur and Chandrapur to bring transparency," Jadhav said. In Nagpur, around 400 learning licences are issued daily.
On widespread opposition to green tax on old vehicles, Jadhav said, "Our aim is not to earn revenue but to keep old vehicles off the road. Heavy tax on worn out vehicles is basically to shun their use," Jadhav felt. The green tax in based on Supreme Court ruling of `pollute and pay` policy.
The transport department will soon come up with a helpline for various services. The facility will be handy for sharing information and also to file complaints. A proposal to introduce helplines in Nagpur, Nashik, Pune and Thane RTOs has been sent to the government for approval.
On the vital issue of integrated check-posts on state borders, Jadhav informed that one such post is likely to be in place at Manegaon in Nagpur district in 18 months. These posts, to be set up in 22 places in the state, will be jointly monitored by excise, forest and transport departments. The proposal is being implemented by the MSRDC.
Jadhav said the move to give vehicle registration powers to select dealers in the state seems to have fizzled out.
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