EFFORTS
ON TO MAKE CARD VALID PROOF FOR PASSPORT
Identity
cards issued at post offices continue to be popular with people who have
recently shifted to the city. On an average, post offices receive 4,000
applications for ID cards every month.
The
cards are used to open bank and postal accounts, get LPG connections, ration
cards and driving licences. However, residents demand that the cards used for
address proof must be delivered soon. “Many people who migrated from
north-eastern states apply for the cards. But, we do not provide cards to
people who do not have proper accommodation. We ask for authorisation letter
from house owners and our postal staff members also go on a verification
drive,” said a postal official.
It
is also an accepted ID proof to produce during train travel. Sources in the
Transport department said they accept postal ID cards as an address proof
document. But, the applicant also has to attach an affidavit as it is not
listed as accepted document in the government procedure.
Efforts
are on to have postal ID cards accepted as a valid document to get passports.
Since
the launch of the service in 2008, nearly 3.5 lakh cards have been issued in
Chennai city region. Customers need to pay Rs.270 to get ID cards and Rs.600
under tatkal system.
The
card is valid for three years. While cards applied under tatkal process are
delivered in a fortnight, customers complain that they have to wait for more
than a month under the regular process.
A
consumer activist said the service needs to be popularised in suburban areas.
“The department must also introduce a system to alert customers about expiry of
the validity period. The procedure to renew the card must be hassle free and
done at a less cost,” he said. Officials said the cards are now delivered
through registered posts.
Source: The Hindu
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