Drivers against HSRP

SHILLONG, DEC 11: The inefficiency of the High Security Registration Plate (HSRP) and its exorbitant rate in Meghalaya has drawn criticism from several quarters.  Now the All Drivers Association of Meghalaya (ADAM) has demanded that the state government to cancel the agreement with Shimnit Utsch India Pvt Ltd, which is presently implementing the HSRP in the state.

“The government should cancel the agreement with the company and invite fresh tenders for supplying or manufacturing of the HSRP,” M Jyrwa, the general secretary of the ADAM said on Thursday while asking the government to explain the reason behind such high and exorbitant amount charged in the state compared to other states in the country.

According to him, the rate for getting HSRP in neigbouring Assam is only Rs 119 for two wheelers, Rs 153 for three wheelers, Rs 318 for light motor vehicles and Rs 335 for medium and heavy vehicles.

“But in Meghalaya, applying for HSRP for four wheelers cost you Rs 1905,” he said.

He also said, though the HSRP is being implemented in the state for past eight years, but there is no GPS oriented tracking system nor has the state prepared any national data of its motor vehicles. He added, “Whereas car theft cases are on the rise in the entire state even after the HSRP is being implemented.”

He said the installation of HSRP should be made compulsory in the state after its rate is made more reasonable as the present rate amounts to indirectly extorting money from the public in the name of security.- By Our Reporter