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/Chennai