Fee for mandatory MSRTC smart card faces resistance

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Resistance is mounting against the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) following the reintroduction of a mandatory smart card for passengers eligible for fare concessions. While the initiative aims to streamline travel, a significant number of beneficiaries have voiced strong opposition to the Rs199 fee required to obtain the card.The National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) serves as the foundation for this new system and is an initiative of state transport minister Pratap Sarnaik. "The NCMC is not only a technical improvement, but also a step towards digitally strengthening the trust of passengers. All three things — accurate recording of concessions, transparent reimbursement and cashless transactions — will be integrated into one card," Sarnaik said.As registration for the smart card began, several passengers objected to the Rs199 registration fee. Notably, women passengers who are currently availing a 50% discount in bus fares will have to obtain the smart card to avail the concession in future."The smart card should be given free. There is no logic in charging money for it, as it seems to be a profit-making practice," Jyoti Beedkar, a homemaker, said.A section of passengers also argued that govt proofs related to ID and age, along with disabilities, are self-sufficient to claim concessions, and there is no need for duplication of measures by introducing the smart card.MSRTC spokesperson Abhijeet Bhosale said nominal fee is being charged towards issuing the NCMC."The fees for smart cards will be further reduced to Rs149 if passengers submit their old smart cards. The card is an electronic device which comes with a payment and money recharge option. Money can be refilled on the card through ETIM machines available with the conductors, the official mobile app and website, and through authorised agents," he said.Bhosale said around 300 agents have been appointed across the state, besides the MSRTC workforce, to facilitate smooth registration for the smart card.Shrirang Barge, general secretary of the Maharashtra ST Karmachari Congress, said the smart card will curb fake beneficiaries. "Several passengers claim to be senior citizens to avail free travel in MSRTC buses. No mechanism exists to cross-check the veracity of their bogus Aadhaar cards and other age proofs. Bus conductors cannot confront such bogus beneficiaries," he said.