Despite stiff resistance from panchayats, the online sand pass system, aimed at bringing about transparency in the distribution of one of the most sought after commodities in the district, is set to be rolled out this month.
The system designed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC) envisages acceptance of applications for sand pass through Akshaya centres across the district and the issuance of the same through distribution centres to be set up for the purpose. Processing and distribution of sand on pending applications under the old system started on Thursday and would be completed within four days after which the new system would be set in motion.
Receipt of applications had already been started under the system that completely eliminates manual intervention at any stage rooting out the scope for manipulation. Centres for issuing pass are likely to be set up at all seven taluks and panchayats having sand ghats and the District Collectorate this month.
District Collector M.G. Rajamanickam had received a lot of flak from panchayat heads who opposed the system. However, Mr. Rajamanickam stood his ground stating that there would either be the new online system or none at all. He said the new system eliminates the anomalies in the previous system where applicants had to undertake multiple visits to panchayat offices.
Now an applicant can apply from any Akshaya centre and opt on his convenience any panchayat having a sand ghat. The district roughly has about 60 sand ghats spread over 22 panchayats.
Mr. Rajamanickam said the online system ensured a fool-proof queue system. Though an online system existed earlier in panchayats, the applications were manually uploaded to the server, leaving room for manipulation.
