The high security registration plates (HSRP) has been made compulsory in the state as per the Central Motor Vehicle Act and the verdict of Supreme Court.

The process was initiated on the basis of the recommendations made by the Technical Standing Committee on Central Motor Vehicles Rules when the Central Government had amended rule 50 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, mandating introduction of new High Security Registration Plates, both in respect of new and in-use motor vehicles throughout the country.

Features of High Security Registration Plates as per the Ministry of Road Transport are:
i.Chromium hologram, ii. A retro-reflective film, bearing a verification inscription ‘India’ at 45 degree inclination. iii. Laser numbering, which is unique in nature containing alpha-numeric identification of both Testing Agencies and the manufacturers. iv. The Registration numbers to be embossed on the plates. v. In case of rear registration plate, same to be fitted with a non-reusable snap lock to make it tamper proof.
This was initiated to control anti- social activities and to make vehicles safe from burglars.

But as far as its implementation is concerned it is only being done in a few states and Sikkim being one of them. In Sikkim the idea or the need to have a HSRP has not been understood and accepted by the people. One important reason is that it is very expensive compared to the old system, and they feel that this new registration plate also does not provide ant ‘high security’ as the name claims. The plates that are being provided in the state are not equipped with Global Positioning System or GPS which does not make it burglar proof. The cost for fitting a HSRP for two wheelers is Rs.820.73 and for four wheelers it comes around Rs.2047/- inclusive of basic rate for the HSRP, VAT @ 12.5%, Env. Cess @1%, fixing charges which is Rs.100/-.

The company authorized by the State Government to supplyHSRP is Tonnjes Eastern Security Technologies Pvt.ltd which is a Delhi based company. While speaking to a company representative it was informed that the GPS is a very expensive technology and it is not possible to provide such number plates at such minimal rates.

One of the vehicle owner said he has not understood the function of the HSRP but since the Government has implemented this, and made it mandatory for all vehicles to bear this type of number only he has come to Motor Vehicle to get his registration done. He also feels that this is not going to help him in anyways, whether it is against some burglar or other safety angle.

One of the officer of Motor Vehicle in condition of anonymity commented that there are more than ten thousand vehicles in the capital alone, and everyone is not willing to change their old number plates. Another vehicle owner also added that earlier a good number plate used to cost around Rs. 500/- and now it is more than three times that cost, he also added that this clearly indicates that the department and the company which has got the project are in a tie and are benefitting from it more than the users who have to pay this hefty amount unnecessarily, still the people are silent as they are ignorant.

The project of fitting SHRP in all the vehicles of the State was started in March 2009, but till date it has not been able to convince many of the car/ two wheeler owners. As per the data, only 6477 vehicles in the State have been fitted with these number plates, which mostly comprise of Government and private vehicles. However it is to be completed till February, 2011. The Gangtok team is looking after all the registrations pertaining to all the four districts. The plates that are fitted here come with IC number and registration plates are in one size along with the digit as per the Central Motor Vehicle Act and are only available in the Road Transport Officers premises(For fixing of the plates). No other person or garage is allowed to practice the same.

Courtesy: Sikkim Mail

 

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