THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: It has been two and a half months since the printing of driving license and RC book came to a halt in the state. The printing was stopped because the Motor Vehicles Department did not pay the contract company. Rs 8 crore is due to the contract company 2.25 crore is due to the postal department. The contract company is Indian Telephone Industries (ITI).

Seven and a half lakh people are waiting for their license after passing the driving test. 2.5 lakh people frequents RT offices for RC book despite paying all the vehicle fees.

License printing was stopped on November 16. RC book printing also stopped on 23rd. Meanwhile, the registration process and fee collection are going on.

One have to pay Rs 245 for PET G Smart License Card including postage. Rs 200 is charged per card. This is more than three times the contract amount. This amount is paid into the treasury. But the crisis was caused by non-payment of money from the treasury to the contractor and the postal department.

Test, permit and vehicle transfer all stalled due to not getting RC. Lorry and bus owners who have to go to other states are also in crisis. Vehicles which are presented for fitness test by providing old RC book are also entangled in the problem. There is concern that those who have transferred the ownership of the vehicle will also lose the insurance cover.

PET G

These are printed cards with advanced security features. Application goes to printing center in Ernakulam after inspection at RTO/ Sub RTO offices and approval of Motor Vehicle Inspector. The use of RC laminated cards, which were prepared in the offices, was discontinued. The card is sent by post.

4,000-5,000 vehicles are registered per day

3,500-4,500 people pass the driving test