Use Aadhaar to get e-pass for inter-district travel instantly

Use Aadhaar to get e-pass for inter-district travel instantly

15/08/2020

Special Correspondent CHENNAI

From August 17, people who apply for an e-pass by providing their Aadhaar or ration card details will get the permit “at once”, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami said on Friday.

In a statement, Mr. Palaniswami appealed to the public to apply for an e-pass “only for unavoidable reasons” as the decision to simplify the system had been taken for the welfare of the people.

“I request the public to strictly follow the Standard Operating Procedure framed by the State government to contain the spread of COVID-19, and to extend their cooperation towards the steps being taken by the State government,” the Chief Minister said.

He said the lockdown restrictions had been eased for the benefit of the public, and e-passes were being granted for inter-district movement. Steps were being taken to monitor those moving between districts, and their contacts were being traced in case they contract the infection, he added.

An official release clarified that the “present e-pass system would continue to be in place for international and inter-State movement”.

A Government Order issued by Chief Secretary K. Shanmugam said the decision to ease the e-pass system was taken to enable the movement of people within the State for “important work”.

E-pass applications would be approved “immediately without any delay” for all applicants who provide their Aadhaar or ration card details along with their telephone or mobile numbers, it added.

DMK president M.K. Stalin said, “I reiterate my demand that the e-pass system must be abolished. However, the people should also use the [revised] e-pass system announced today [Friday] responsibly, and only for extremely important purposes.”