Leader Writer: Shobaraj Yumlembam
Even as cases of vehicle theft are occurring since long and are frequently on the rise, it is after more than a decade since the notification issued by Supreme Court of India in connection with Rule 50 of the Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, that high security registration plates (HSRP) have started to be implemented in Manipur from April 12, 2012. So far, the service has been launched in Imphal East, Imphal West, Churachandpur, Thoubal and Senapati districts and Kangpokpi Sub-division in the state. Though started late, it is indeed a good gesture of the transport department which should benefit the people to a great extent. As far as vehicles being stolen is concerned, this new HSRP possess some striking anti-theft features. The colour of the security inscription on the plate changes its intensity when the visual direction between the plate and the viewer is changed. This works to prevent copying of such number plates by using simple print. HSRP is a highly secure number plate aimed in bringing about a uniform pattern of displaying registration marks across the country. Made of aluminium, they feature unique details apart from the registration number. The plates have a seven-digit unique laser code, a chromium-based chakra hologram to prevent counterfeiting, a self destructive sticker with the engine and chassis numbers of the vehicle, ‘IND’ inscribed in blue colour with `India` inscribed at a 45 degree angle in hot stamping foil across all letters and numbers on the plate. It is tamper-proof and non-replaceable and which will aid in creating a computerized, national data of motor vehicles. Any attempt to remove or replace the snap lock, which holds the number plate on the vehicle will cause the lock to break making it impossible to install any other number plate on the vehicle. In case of accidental damage of HSRP, only the Regional Transport Office can provide the replacement of the number plates.
The seven-digit unique laser code is the biggest safety feature. It is meant to be scanned by laser detector cameras to identify if the number plate details match the laser code and whether the registration plate belongs to the vehicle or not. For this to work, laser detector cameras will have to be installed on important roads and intersections to capture footage of stolen vehicles. However, these cameras are not available in Manipur so far and will have to be installed for the HSRP to be effective.
It is hard to say whether this project of new plates will bring the much needed security and benefits or not, since the already installed regular CCTVs in certain places on the road in Imphal are not functioning yet. In this age of internet, GPS, smart phones, artificial intelligence etc in short, the ever advancing science and technology; what the state needs to do is get into action mode, do some research on the merits and demerits of a plan before making the final step, and prepare for the outcomes. While the new HSRP plates will greatly help in detecting stolen vehicles much sooner than the use of earlier regular plates, efforts need to be made to aid the effective working of other support systems. This can only help the police do their jobs efficiently, thereby giving a warning to vehicle lifters operating in the state. Interestingly, with the technology aspect being tamper proof, it is the human aspect that needs to be taken care of. As mentioned earlier, the HSRP plates can only be replaced by personnel of the Transport office and if the itch to get some ‘side’ income, it can lead to efforts going to waste and lead to the smart number plates being tampered with. In the meanwhile, the concerned authorities need to take up public awareness drives instead of confining themselves to official launches.