The Lamka Consumers’ Club has officially submitted a memorandum to the Governor of Manipur, through the Deputy Commissioner of Churachandpur, advocating for the choice between traditional physical smartcard-based Driving Licenses (DL) and Registration Certificates (RC), and the newly introduced electronic versions, e-DL and e-RC. This move underscores the significant challenges posed by the Transport Department’s digital transition, particularly for senior citizens in Churachandpur. Frequent internet shutdowns due to ongoing law and order issues render online access to driving licenses and registration certificates impractical.
Reliable sources have confirmed that the Transport Department has rolled out e-DL and e-RC across all districts, including Churachandpur, with plans to phase out physical smartcards entirely. The Club has expressed concerns over this approach, highlighting the heightened risks of document duplication, as electronic files can easily be altered or printed at local computer shops. The memorandum emphasizes that many senior citizens lack smartphones or the technical proficiency to navigate digital platforms. This challenge is exacerbated by ongoing conflict and economic struggles, making it unreasonable to expect the elderly to invest in smartphones for accessing e-DL and e-RC.
Senior citizens in the hill districts face numerous obstacles stemming from poor internet connectivity, frequent power outages, and recurring shutdowns, hindering access to essential online services. The Club pointed out that paper documents are vulnerable to damage during the rainy season, rendering physical smartcards a more reliable choice. Unlike digital formats, smartcards do not rely on internet connectivity or devices, ensuring that elderly residents maintain their independence in managing transport documentation.
The mandated switch to electronic formats risks isolating senior citizens, potentially limiting their mobility and access to vital services. In contrast, neighboring states such as Mizoram, Tripura, and Assam continue to issue physical smartcards, catering to public need and illustrating a more inclusive approach.
The memorandum referenced a Transport Department office directive from January 17, 2025, which cited a November 2024 Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) notification to justify the digital transition. However, the absence of this notification from the MoRTH website raised questions about transparency. A later directive from May 6, 2025, from the outgoing Director of the Transport Department contradicted previous commitments to maintain the availability of physical cards, compelling only the issuance of e-DL and e-RC.
The Club also addressed ongoing issues at the Churachandpur transport office, including a protest in February 2024 by the Joint Students’ Body, which blocked the office for months to demand adequate staffing. The currently understaffed District Transport Officer (DTO) based in Imphal has contributed to delays and backlogs, worsened by connectivity problems. Despite local media coverage and a press release from the Club on May 20, 2025, no solutions have emerged.
The memorandum has urged the Governor to instruct the Transport Department to reinstate the option for physical smartcards, particularly in rural areas, and to appoint a permanent DTO in Churachandpur to enhance administrative efficiency. The memorandum, signed by President Tuanmuanson Vualnam and General Secretary Lienminlal Gangte, was also forwarded to the Transport Secretary and the Deputy Commissioner of Churachandpur. The Lamka Consumers’ Club stressed the importance of retaining a choice between physical and digital formats to prevent the exclusion of senior citizens and other vulnerable groups in the hill districts.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/manipur/story/churachandpur-consumers-club-urges-manipur-governor-to-retain-physical-smartcard-option-citing-severe-impact-on-senior-citizens-1229107-2025-06-14?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2025-06-14 21:44:00
