Centre: Implement smart card driving licences by Dec 31

Centre asked state governments to implement the smart card based issuance of driving licenses by December 31, 2009.

Centre on Thursday asked state governments to implement the smart card based issuance of driving licenses by December 31, 2009.

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The deadline was given at the meeting of state road transport officials, which was held under the chairmanship of Secretary Transport in the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in New Delhi.

The scheme would ensure uniformity and interoperability throughout the country. Various issues like the new national permit regime, implementation of IT projects like creation of state registers and national register of driving licences and registration certificates and provision for adequate transport facilities for women were discussed at the meeting.

States unanimously decided to evolve a system for seamless movement of goods vehicles across the country and to make the national permit truly national in character. It was also decided in the meeting that states would consider the new composite fee regime of Rs 15,000 per annum per truck authorising operations throughout the country.