ST card project failing, says union leader Shrirang Barge; seeks probe into firm and tender
Shrirang Barge of the ST Kamgar Congress says the NCMC card project is faltering and wants the company's capability and the tender process investigated.
The National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) project of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (ST) appears to be failing because of technical glitches, problems in distributing cards and difficulties faced by passengers and conductors, according to Shrirang Barge, general secretary of the ST Kamgar Congress. He has demanded an in-depth inquiry into whether the company is capable of handling the project, and into the tender process. (October 4)
From October 1, the NCMC card has been made mandatory for women and senior citizens to avail of the fare concession. According to Barge, the decision is causing considerable hardship to passengers and to conductors who operate the ticket machines. Conductors face repeated technical problems while using the system.
Barge has raised another point. The same concession still appears to be available when tickets are booked online. He has therefore also questioned the decision to make the NCMC card mandatory.
Barge says the process of getting an NCMC card is complicated and ordinary passengers face many hurdles in obtaining one. He also alleged that there are complaints of the card, priced at Rs 199, being sold by private agents for Rs 250 to Rs 300. Barge has also demanded an inquiry into this alleged overcharging and that responsibility be fixed.
Barge has also questioned the company's capability. He says doubts are arising over the tender process followed when the project was given to the company, the terms of the agreement and the manner of implementation. An inquiry should therefore establish whether the company is truly capable, he said.
Many problems are arising on the ground while providing passengers a digital facility. Some passengers hold an NCMC card with a full balance, but the card is not read. Some have a receipt with a QR code, but the machine does not scan it. Often the amount is deducted but the ticket is not printed. Network and server problems also occur. Conductors are being put to needless trouble as a result.
Barge says the company has had ample time to find a solution. If it still fails, he said, there is a need to rethink implementing such projects.
