Punjab launches first of its kind national e-permit system for transporters
27 May 2010
Punjab today claimed to have become the first state in country to launch an online national permit system for trucks and heavy vehicles.
At a function held in Chandigarh, deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal handed over permits to truck operators within minutes of their filing applications over the internet.
Speaking on the occasion, Badal said Punjabi transporters were the backbone of India's transport system and the SAD-BJP government considered it as its primary duty to solve their problems on a priority basis.
He added that coming from a family of transporters he understood well the problems faced by transport operators at nakas in all states and came out with a series of administrative reforms to ease the life of truck operators.
He added that earlier, obtaining a national permit was a cumbersome as also a costly procedure with transporters being forced to shell out Rs3,000 in every state every year for the permit.
He added that he supported the principle of 'one country-one permit' and this national permit would give freedom to truck operators to operate their vehicles across the country.
Badal also launched a unique SMS service for truck operators that would help any truck operator illegally detained by any state authority.
The 24x7 SMS service would allow the Punjab Transport Department to reply immediately for confirmation to verify the authenticy of the detained driver's truck permit.
