07 January,2009 10:57 AM IST | | Amit Kumar
The card will buy your Metro token too. It can also be used by the poor to avail social security schemes
You have been paying for your burger, coffee, mobile, movie ticket by swiping a card. And by April, you will be able to do the same for your bus ticket and Metro token too.
The Delhi government is planning to introduce microprocessor chip-based smart cards that can be swiped at automatic fare collection centres to pay for travelling in a public transport bus.
The card will have a pre-loaded value on it and while boarding a bus one simply needs to tap it on a reader for the gate to open. After the journey, you again tap the card on the exit and the system debits the ticket value.
The card, a pet project of Delhi Chief Secretary Rakesh Mehta, is aimed at integrating the access to all government services for citizens of Delhi. Mehta claimed the card would work like just another debit card. A central server would store all the information of the user and help him/her to avail various government schemes and services.
"The card would be linked to the user's bank account. We will invite the bids soon and aim to start distribution of cards by April," Mehta told MiD DAY.
"For the 50 lakh low income group people in the city, the card would serve as a multi-purpose document to avail various government schemes being run for their welfare. It will help reduce time spend on documentation," Mehta added.
The cards will cover the schemes of nine departments like social welfare, education, health, child and women, labour, food and civil supplies, the Scheduled Castes, the Scheduled Tribes and minorities.
Apart from this, the card will have full biometric data of the user. Finger prints, personal and
professional details, photograph, unique identity number etc.
However, the cards will be customised to suit specific needs of a citizen. Those who are not eligible to avail a
particular set of government schemes will have their cards programmed in such a manner that they are not able to access them.
For those using it for travel purpose only will be able to swipe at the automatic fare collection machines that will be installed in buses and Metro stations.
"The card will have to be recharged in some select buses and designated centres," a senior Delhi government official said.
"All the buses and Metro stations will have the automatic fare collection system to tap the card. It will make life much easier for citizens. There will be no fear of your pocket being picked in a bus," the official added.
