To address backlogs, Kerala govt to directly manage RC, licence printing

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government has decided to directly handle the printing of registration certificates (RC) and driving licences, bypassing the existing contract system. This move comes in response to the recent halt in printing operations, which had disrupted the delivery of the documents. The printed materials will be distributed through Kerala State Road Transport Corporation's (KSRTC) parcel service.

Minister K B Ganesh Kumar also announced that the government would soon invite tenders for the procurement of PVC cards required for the printing process. He also confirmed that the process would be managed directly by the government to prevent any further disruptions.

Rs 10 crore debt to contractor agency

The decision to take over the printing process follows the accumulation of Rs 10 crore in dues owed to the contract agency responsible for printing the RCs and licences. Previously, the government had cleared Rs 9 crore in arrears with instructions to continue the printing operations without interruptions. However, the agency ceased printing once again after additional dues piled up. 

Ganesh Kumar blamed the contract company for the present crisis. To ensure smooth operations moving forward, he mentioned plans to purchase additional machinery to support the printing process.

No plans for PM-e bus 

In a separate statement, Minister Ganesh Kumar clarified that e-bus under the PM-e bus scheme was not a viable solution for KSRTC at this time.

Instead, the minister emphasised that KSRTC would continue with its plan to procure diesel buses to maintain its fleet, citing concerns about the practicality of electric buses in the state’s transportation system.