BRTA's new initiative
Instant licence, a white lily?
No one wants to wait indefinitely for a public service that is one's legitimate right to receive, far less a year-long wait for a driving licence. Everyone pays certain 'fees' to expedite the process, one really may not have to know how to drive. They just need opposable thumbs to help count out the cash.
Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) is thinking up a new initiative to help stop issuance of fake licences. BRTA teams reportedly should have been conducting tests for learners and issuing driving licences 'instantly' with effect from June 1. Those passing the tests at about 45 approved training centres would be entitled to the fast-track gift. This will be like 'instant' ticket to roads.
The decision was taken at an inter-ministerial meeting held at the communications ministry to check fraudulence and bring ease in driving licence issuance. People who used to wait anywhere from two weeks to two months can now hope to get the same thing almost instantly.
This may intensify a known problem, if instant delivery of licences turns out to be perfunctory. There are already 15 lakh registered vehicles in the country while the number of genuine licences given out is around 10 lakh. The rest are fake. Of the originals, most may well have been procured in various under the table ways. Lest 'instant licence' mean shoving in instant cash beyond the standard fees, the authorities would need to keep a tab on. Apparently, BRTA only has the capacity to deliver 3,500 licences a year, but the real demand is much higher. So perhaps BRTA just hand out licences like flyers, albeit for a price.
If this new step should make people try and learn how to drive so they pass their test that would be a step forward. May the real issue of actually educating and training the would-be drivers be not lost in the hype for issuing instant licences.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments