Aadhaar card can be used for new driving licenses

the goan I networkrPANAJI r rAccording to a senior official at the main transport department office in Panaji, the Aadhaar card can be used as a form of identification provided the applicants attach an affidavit along with the photocopy of the card. r“Aadhaar by itself is not listed as an identification document under the central government’s motor vehicle rules. But an office order is being circulated that Aadhaar can be accepted as long as applicants swear on affidavit,” said the official. rCurrently, documents required include proof of address and identity and a doctor’s medical certificate. The RTO counters had turned away persons who presented their Aadhaar cards as identity proof. But with this new development, applicants can now use their Aadhaar cards to apply for licenses. rIn keeping with the Supreme Court directions, the state is allowed to suspend licenses for 90 days for five offences including over speeding, jumping a red light, carrying persons in a goods carriage, driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs and using mobile phone while driving a vehicle. rIn a span of one year, the transport department has suspended as many as 5,064 driving licenses for five major traffic violations in the state. rAccording to the directions, after suspension of a motorist’s license for 90 days, his or her offence remains recorded. “Now the system is online, so all records remain,” said the official. rIn keeping with the online trend, the department is also in the process of procuring card readers so that all smart card and smart RC books can be read. “We are also going in for electronic challaning. GEL has been given four months to put a system in place. After that we will take up training and procurement of equipment,” the official said.