Agents get e-passes approved through govt ‘connections’

Agents get e-passes approved through govt ‘connections’

Ram.Sundaram@timesgroup.com

Chennai:4.8.2020

Common citizens struggle to get e-passes, even for genuine reasons, but some travel agencies and cab operators get them issued easily through ‘connections’ at district collectorates and Greater Chennai Corporation.

This reporter, seeking an epassfor returnof stranded relatives, marriage and a health emergency, approached three taxi operators in Chennai who promised to get the document for ₹250-₹300 per head over and above the base fare (₹10-₹20 depending on the vehicle model).

“It’s ok even if you don’t have hospital records. We can apply for a pass to Kerala and drop you at Madurai,” said Chennai-based travel agent Rajamanickam. Claiming that Tamil Nadu authorities didn’t cross-check documents much for inter-state travel, he said applying from a random address would get the job done.

Vasu, another travel agent, said he could transport even seven people in a Xylo, meant for four, and demanded ₹1,500 for an approved e-pass through an internet centre with ‘connections’ in government. All he wanted was an ID card like Aadhaar or driving licence with a Chennai address. It was not necessary for the person to travel in the car as it was only for e-pass approval. Tamil Nadu e-Governance Agency (TNeGA) mandates local address proof for such travel.

The last agency approached by this reporter, Ragavendra Travels, said it could arrange passes to and from Kanyakumari without hassle and didn’t charge extra for epass approval. Asked how it was able to do this when applications for genuine reasons were rejected, staff at the agency said what was entered in the description column mattered and that they had learned how to get it right.

J Ramanujam of TN Call Taxi Operators Association said some drivers from other districts had started taking regular trips by pooling in people. “Just like share service, people travel together by paying their share,” he said. Every day, on an average, he got 10-15 such calls but avoided many as they had invalid supporting documents.

TNeGA officials said their role ended with facilitating the application process and transferring it to respective district authorities to take the final call.