A ration card won't get you a licence now

NEW DELHI: People in Delhi are criticising a state transport department order that has said that telephone and electricity bills will not be considered fit as proofs of residence. The order came into effect recently.
At present, the motor licensing department recognises only passports, voters'' identity cards, life insurance policy documents and pay-slips (in case of government employees) as a proof of residence.
"The government has removed electricity bills, telephone bills, house tax receipts and ration cards from the list of acceptable documents," said a transport department official. Sources say there was considerable difference of opinion within the transport department when the change was made.
The transport department has been flooded with complaints from those desiring to get a driving licence. While some accept that fake ration cards can be made easily, telephone and electricity bills, and house-tax receipts are authentic.
Says restaurant manager, Tapas Kumar, who is unable to get a driving licence, "I cannot drive a car, although I own one. My wife has to drive me around." He has a telephone in his name.
Ritu Kohli, a marketing professional for a consumer goods company, says,"My job requires me to travel a lot in the city. Many people in my office now have to use my car." Kohli also has a telephone connection in her name.
Says voluntary organisation Chetna''s, Anil Sood,"It is an ill-conceived order. A telephone bill or a house tax receipt is a very reliable document. Very few people get their passports made."
The transport department officials say they had effected the change when the traffic police officials had asked them to be strict on the issue of driving licences.
State transport minister Ajay Maken said:"The change was effected without my consent. This was not a major policy decision, and can be taken by the state transport authority on its own."