IT Exclusives
The Transport Department, Government of Manipur, has recently rolled out the implementation of electronic Driving Licence (e-DL) and electronic Registration Certificate (e-RC) across the state. While this move aligns with the broader digitalization goals of the government and is advantageous for tech-savvy users—especially the youth—it has raised significant concerns among the public, particularly senior citizens, and those not comfortable with digital platforms.
The initiative replaces the physical smartcard versions of Driving Licences (DL) and Registration Certificates (RC) with electronic versions. However, this shift appears to contradict the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) guidelines, which provide citizens the option to choose between e-documents and physical smartcards. In Manipur, this choice has been withdrawn, with only e-DL and e-RC being issued.
Adding to public concern is the fact that once issued with an e-DL, many citizens are rushing to nearby DTP/computer centres, including those located just outside the Transport Department office at Babupara, to get PVC card versions printed. These centres are charging unregulated rates ranging from Rs. 200 to Rs. 350, depending on card quality. Previously, the Transport Department officially issued smartcard DL/RC at a fixed government fee of Rs. 200, handled through MANITRON, the state PSU, which had established infrastructure and manpower across all districts to facilitate smartcard printing.
This sudden shift has left MANITRON’s infrastructure underutilized and created job uncertainty for its deployed staff, even though the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Transport Department and MANITRON with the executing agency is still valid. Questions are being raised about the potential loss of government revenue, which is now seemingly being diverted to private printing centres. This once again raises the question of why the implementation of e-RC/e-DL was suddenly ordered in our state, especially by the then Director just days before her transfer and subsequent departure from the department.
The Transport Department’s office memorandum dated 17th January 2025 cited MoRTH notification No. G.S.R.1081(E) dated 2nd November 2024 as the basis for this change. However, this notification is not available on the official MoRTH website, raising transparency concerns. Furthermore, while the memorandum stated that physical DL/RC would still be available on payment of relevant fees, a subsequent order issued on 6th May 2025 contradicted this, declaring that only e-DL and e-RC would be issued.
Public sentiment reflects strong resistance to this abrupt policy. Comparisons are being drawn with larger states and major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Guwahati, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru—where e-DL/e-RC have not yet been fully enforced, and the option for physical documents remains.
Several practical challenges of e-DL/e-RC are being reported: Lack of internet access or phone battery issues can prevent citizens from presenting their documents during checking or law enforcement drives. Frequent internet shutdowns in Manipur, particularly due to law and order concerns, further aggravate the problem. Senior citizens and those without smartphones are at a disadvantage and may face unnecessary harassment or penalties. There is growing concern about document tampering and duplication, which could increase the risk of fraud and vehicle theft. People still prefer physical documents in emergencies, similar to how many carry ATM cards despite using UPI services.
While the benefits of e-DL/e-RC—such as reduced risk of physical damage and ease of storage—are acknowledged, public consensus strongly leans toward retaining the option of physical smartcards alongside electronic versions.
In light of these developments, the public is urging the Transport Department to reconsider its stance and restore the option of physical DL and RC smartcards, allowing citizens to choose based on their convenience and capability, in line with MoRTH’s original guidelines.