New Telangana driving licence is the latest fad

Since June 2, the day on which Telangana became the 29 State, 49,634 driving licences were issued by the 37 offices in the State, discloses Joint Transport Commissioner J. Pandurang Naik.

Machine printing colourful driving license in Hyderabad.

After the formation of Telangana, perhaps the only official document one can get as of now, is a driving licence.

The plastic driving license with the words ‘Telangana State’ embossed on it appears to be the latest fad. Though the fresh licences being issued are automatically the new Telangana government cards, many of the old licensees are applying for a fresh licence card, just to get the new card, officials say.

“I have applied for a fresh licence because I want to have a licence issued by the Government of Telangana. When we have the option, why should I not, particularly when the process is so simple and costs Rs.415 plus Rs.30 to have it delivered home. I can’t wait to get my new Telangana licence,” says Anuradha Reddy, a heritage activist.

Since June 2, the day on which Telangana became the 29 State, 49,634 driving licences were issued by the 37 offices in the State, discloses Joint Transport Commissioner J. Pandurang Naik. There are nearly 70.36 lakh licence holders in ten districts of Telangana.

Every day, more than 3,000 driving licences are issued in the State while Hyderabad and Ranga Reddy districts account for about 1,000 licences. All that one needs to do to get a fresh licence is submit the prescribed application along with proof of address and the original licence and pay the required fee.