Although the Supreme Court’s deadline for introducing high-security number-plates ends this month, the Mulayam government is yet to comply with the order. The reason: indecision over which company should be assigned the Rs 700-crore contract for the new number-plates.
On November 30 last year, the apex court had directed all states to introduce high-security number-plates from January ’05. In UP, the number-plates of new vehicles were to be changed with immediate effect, while the old vehicles were given a two-year timeframe.
However, no action has been taken yet. The transport department is now hoping that the court will extend the date. ‘‘The deadline may get extended to May 1,’’ said J P Bajpai, finance controller, transport department.
Meanwhile, no decision can be taken as transport minister Naresh Agarwal is on holiday abroad. ‘‘Any decision on the matter will be taken only when the minister gets back,’’ said sources in the transport department. Agarwal is scheduled to arrive on January 7.
According to official sources, about one-and-a-half years back, the transport department had invited tenders for the contract to produce these specialised number-plates. It had even selected a company to manufacture and distribute the number-plates.
However, the deal was put on hold as the matter reached the Supreme Court. In a bid to check theft of vehicles, the Centre, on March 23, 2001, had directed all state governments to introduce new high-security number-plates.
All the states invited tenders from companies in the business. In UP, five companies put in their bids. While two were disqualified on technical grounds, Shankh Technology was chosen from the remaining three, reportedly as it was the lowest bidder.
Meanwhile, some companies in other states moved the Supreme Court opposing the elligibility criteria. But the apex court rejected their plea, giving the state governments the freedom to formulate their own criteria for the selection.
Now, the officials cannot decide whether to allot the contract to the company that was first chosen or to invite fresh tenders. ‘‘It is a matter of over Rs 700 crores. The company selected will be given the contract for 15 years. This is why such care is being taken in the selection of the company,’’ said sources.
What is a high-security number-plate?
The number-plate is manufactured from a one-milimetre thick almunium sheet.
It has a chromium hologram and reflecting sheet, with the vehicle number in micro-size.
There’s a laser number for each plate, with complete details of the vehicle.
This laser chip is connected to the computer at the Regional Transport Office, from where complete information about the vehicle can be obtained in no time.
The number-plate has a snap locking system which is difficult to open. The plate breaks if forced open.
The cost: Rs 425 for two-wheelers; Rs 800 for four-wheelers.