Slow start to high-security plates

GURGAON: The recently launched high-security number plate campaign has received a lukewarm response from vehicle owners in Gurgaon district.
The campaign started on July 12 but so far, the city has seen only 180 registrations. To curb cases of vehicle theft, the high-security registration plate scheme was launched in Gurgaon wherein cars will have to carry high-security registration plates.These aluminium plates will have India-scripted hologram and a laser number written below the registration number. The registration number will be easily readable, even during the night, from a distance of 200 metres.
Despite the orders, the transport department counter at the mini secretariat continues to wear a deserted look. Even though the registration process is quite simple, not many people have got their new cars registered.
Rahul Ranga, a clerk at the RTO office said, "It's only the media and the word of mouth that is making people aware of this service. The government hasn't used any form of communication like banners and radio to increase awareness." For all the villages and towns that come under Gurgaon district like Pataudi and Bhiwani, there's only one centre in the mini secretariat.
Out of 34 centres in Haryana, the Gurgaon centre alone is supposed to register approximately 15 lakh cars. The entire registration process, from filling the application form to installing the plates, takes about 3-4 days. No forms have been made available on any online platform and personal presence is a mandate.
Even though the high-security number plate scheme has seen a very slow start, the officials expect 500 registrations or bookings by the end of the week. In the initial phase, only cars bought after July 12 need to get these number plates. The registration process for old cars is supposed to start after September, according to RTO officials, and they have a two-year deadline to get the number plates.