Karnataka: New number plates mandatory for all vehicles registered before April 2019; Details here
Bengaluru: The Karnataka state transport department has announced that all vehicles registered prior to April 1, 2019, must be equipped with high-security registration plates (HSRP) by November 17, 2023.
A recent notification issued on August 17, 2023, outlines that vehicle owners failing to comply with this deadline will face penalties ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 1,000.
HSRPs, distinguished by their permanent identification numbers and chromium-based holograms, come with tamper-proof features, ensuring standardized and secure registration plates, stated a transport department official.
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Approximately 1.75 crore to 2 crore vehicles were registered in Karnataka before April 1, 2019, as per the transport department's estimates. "Starting April 1, 2019, the installation of HSRPs became mandatory for all newly registered vehicles," shared a senior official.
The authorized HSRP manufacturers, in collaboration with vehicle manufacturers, are responsible for supplying these plates to dealers. The same system will apply to older vehicles, with orders for HSRP installation being facilitated through authorized dealers of vehicle manufacturers.
Regarding the cost of HSRPs, the official mentioned, "Authorized suppliers are chosen by vehicle manufacturers through competitive pricing. Prices may range from Rs 400 to Rs 500 for four-wheelers and between Rs 250 and Rs 300 for two-wheelers. A total of 12 states have already implemented this rule in accordance with central government guidelines."
The Significance of HSRP Implementation
The transport department's notification emphasizes that HSRPs prevent tampering and counterfeiting of plates, contributing to the reduction of vehicle-related crimes and facilitating easy identification of vehicles on the road.
Upon installing HSRPs, authorized dealers or manufacturers are required to update laser coding on the Vahan portal. However, vehicles lacking registration certificates, fitness certificates (for transport vehicles), or overdue road tax will not be eligible for HSRPs.
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Several Gurugram schools receive hoax bomb threats
Gurugram (PTI): Several Gurugram schools received another hoax bomb threat emails on Wednesday morning, prompting police to launch searches on the premises.
Police said the email was sent by the 'Khalistan National Army', with threats issued to Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini to declare April 29 as the "40th Khalistan Declaration Day". It also threatened to bomb the Red Fort in Delhi.
Police said it was a hoax as no suspicious items were found after an intensive search.
Several schools, including Shri Ram, Amity, and the HDFC school, received threatening emails at 8.33 am, when classes had already begun, police said.
The school administrations became aware of the threats around 9 am and immediately informed the police, a senior police officer said.
The schools immediately implemented emergency protocols, with many declaring a holiday and asking parents to take their children home safely, the officer said.
A large number of anxious parents gathered outside the schools, as police and bomb squad teams reached the spots and started checks.
"Around 10 schools have approached the police from morning until now over bomb threats. Police teams are alert, and searches are underway on all the premises", the officer said.
As soon as the information about this email was received, police in Gurugram and Delhi swung into action and started investigation.
Schools immediately implemented emergency protocols upon receiving the mail. Many schools declared a holiday and sent messages to parents, asking them to take their children home. Large crowds of parents gathered outside the schools.
The schools were sanitised by sending a bomb disposal squad as well as a dog squad.
A senior police officer said that police teams thoroughly searched the school premises, classrooms, buildings, and surrounding areas. No suspicious objects or explosive materials were found during the investigation.
"Police teams are seriously investigating the entire matter. Cyber experts are being consulted to determine the authenticity of the email, its source, and the identity of the sender", added the officer.
This is the third time since January that schools have received fake bomb threats.
In March, at least a dozen schools in the city received bomb threat emails, which later turned out to be hoaxes.
Similarly, on January 28, as many as 13 schools received hoax bomb threats via email, forcing authorities to evacuate campuses and suspend classes.
Last month, police arrested a Bangladeshi national whose email ID was allegedly used to make a bomb threat for some payment.
