Jammu: The long-standing issue of delays in the printing of PVC driving license cards in Jammu and Kashmir is expected to be resolved soon. Transport Commissioner Visheshpal Mahajan has assured the public that the backlog will be cleared, and printing will resume by the end of February 2025.
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Transport Commissioner Visheshpal Mahajan told The News Now that the long-pending issue of delays in the printing of PVC driving license cards in Jammu and Kashmir is set to be resolved soon. Over the past two to three years, applicants have been facing significant delays in receiving physical copies of their driving licenses. While PDF versions of the licenses are issued promptly, the Transport Department has encountered persistent challenges in the availability of PVC cards, resulting in a growing backlog.
Mahajan explained that the department had initiated a tender process for the printing of these cards, which has now reached its final stages. Certain clarifications regarding technical aspects of the tender have been submitted to the Administrative Department, and the approval is expected by the end of this month or the first week of February. Once the approval is granted, the allotment will be finalized, and printing will begin within 10-15 days. He expressed confidence that the backlog of pending cards will be cleared and new cards will be issued without delay.
The Commissioner also reassured applicants that soft copies of driving licenses, available through DigiLocker or the mParivahan app, are valid and can be used until physical copies are delivered. He emphasized that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, as well as the government, have approved the validity of digital licenses. Additionally, he has written to the IG Traffic to ensure that soft copies are fully accepted by authorities during this interim period.
Addressing the technical challenges faced by the department, Mahajan highlighted the importance of maintaining transparency throughout the tendering process. He explained that the tendering is conducted via GEM and e-tendering platforms, which require thorough scrutiny to ensure compliance. The selected vendor will carry out the printing of cards under strict supervision within the department’s premises to prevent any irregularities.
Mahajan further assured that once the process resumes, applicants will receive their PVC driving license cards directly at their residential addresses through the postal service, much like the delivery of PAN cards. He requested the public’s patience during this time and expressed optimism that the backlog would be cleared by the end of February. He added that once the printing begins, there will no longer be any delay between the approval of a license and the delivery of the physical card.
The announcement brings much-needed relief to thousands of applicants across Jammu and Kashmir who have been waiting for their PVC driving licenses. With the issue nearing resolution, the Transport Department aims to streamline the process and ensure timely delivery of licenses in the future.
