If you were disgustedby the manner in which the High Security Registration Plate is being introduced,then you will be shocked with what you learn next. The Smart card, meant toreplace the old driving license is not so smart. In fact it is a useless pieceof plastic. The reason is very simple. The department of transport has notinstalled the necessary infrastructure to read this card. It should be notedthat whatever information printed on the card is stored on the chip. So, if youare caught speeding, fret not. The traffic policeman stopping you will not beable to access your history of speeding violations.
Speaking off therecord sources revealed to The Goan thatthe department had not procured any card readers. The source said, “We onlyfeed the information and issue the cards”. Goa Electronics Limited suppliesthese cards to the transport department for Rs 150. They charge each individualRs 200 who applies for a license.
The smart card drivinglicense should have details like blood group, date of birth, and phone numberalong with the facility to record offences and accidents on the chip memorywhich is presently not happening. ArunDesai, Director, Department of Transport, Goa government said, “The recording oftraffic violations on the chip will commence after a fresh tender is executed. Youcan say that the present driving cards with the chip is useless.” Asked by The Goan if it was necessary to invitetenders, the director said that the evolution in technology had necessitated this.
