Tamil Nadu - Madurai   

A catch-20 situation

A new software has caught many drivers of LMVs and heavy vehicles on the wrong foot, reports S. Vijay Kumar

It is a catch-22 situation for drivers of heavy vehicles who got their driving licence before attaining 20 years of age.

The new software developed by the National Informatics Centre now rejects renewal of licenses of such applicants, thanks to the revised age restrictions on issuing driving license for heavy vehicles and light motor vehicles. The minimum age criteria for getting license for LMVs and heavy vehicles, including passenger motor vehicles, is now 20 years.

"The computerised system automatically rejects renewal of licenses if the age calculated as on the date of issue of license is found to be below 20 years. The software does not provide for any other alternative arrangement in such cases," says a Motor Vehicle Inspector.

According to him, at least 17 applications, including many belonging to drivers of Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation, were rejected on this ground in the recent weeks. "This problem is prevalent in many districts and we have represented to the authorities concerned to take appropriate steps. As of now, we are rejecting such applications."

Left with out option

Since the licenses of drivers who have put in more than a decade of service in TNSTC or other organisations are being rejected, officials in those departments are keeping their fingers crossed. With no other option, some drivers are said to be driving without renewing their license — that is — without a valid license.

The Tamil Nadu Government Transport Corporations Staff Federation treasurer, S. Sampath, says the issue was taken to the notice of both the TNSTC management and RTO officials for necessary action. "After putting in several years of service, the drivers cannot seek fresh issue of license since it is a laborious process. If this problem continues, many drivers in the TNSTC and other sectors will be left without a valid driving license. Immediate steps should be taken to sort out the issue," he adds.

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A catch-20 situation

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