All You Need To Know About Delhi Govt's E-pass Service Amid Lockdown
Amid the 21 day lockdown to control the spread of novel coronavirus various state governments are taking initiatives to ease the life of people in quarantine. The people have been assured of regular access to essential commodities provided by the government.
The Delhi government has introduced E-passes to facilitate the mobility in emergency situations. In order to keep security filter, the passes are being provided digitally via WhatsApp.
How can you apply for the pass?
The application for the pass is just a WhatsApp text away. You are required to approach the WhatsApp No.9873743727 using any character like Hi, Hey, etc. Following which a message asking your details would immediately pop up. The details required are Name, Address, Details of Essential services, Copy of ID card any like Aadhar, voter card etc, Vehicle registration number (required for vehicle carrying essential goods or person engaged).
How does the Government distinguish passes for varied services?
Different color coding is used for different categories of essential services providers to ease the scrutiny process for the Delhi Police on checking booths. Blue colour is used for passes of Industry/ Manufacturer purpose, Orange for Delivery of various commodities, Green for Wholesalers and Grocery providers, Yellow for Retailers, Pink for Doctors/Nurses/etc, Red for Chemists/Pharmacy and Mauve for Miscellaneous purposes.
How is the government scrutinizing the applications?
In order to keep security filter, the unique photo ID or any other Government issued ID Number is to be mentioned on the passes. The passes are Signed and stamped by the Authorized Officer. It is only after proper Scrutiny and eligibility checks that the application is accepted.
How does the purpose of social distancing stay alive?
To fulfill the purpose of Social Distancing the Passes / ID cards are being sent to the applicant on WhatsApp to eliminate the need of physical visit. A Unique ID is being maintain the to the check the misuse. Along with this Market / Manufacturing/Industries/ Hospitality etc. Associations are being contacted to popularize the E-service mechanism .
The number of applications received by the Delhi Government till date are 525 out of which 299 were disposed off or are in process of getting approved. The government aims to persuade the registered vendors through this mechanism to encourage Door Step Delivery of essential services – to attain the objective of Lockdown i.e. minimum social interaction and to prevent the spread COVID-19.
