Special counters for issuing identity cards to differently abled people - Tirunevelli

The Madurai Division of Southern Railways is operating special counters at Tirunelveli and Tenkasi railway stations for issuing photo identity cards to physically challenged persons, using which they can reserve their tickets.

An official statement said that the Indian Railway ntroduced the system of issuing photo identity card for differently abled people to enable them to book their tickets online through e-ticketing and also across the counter.

Hence, a ‘Fortnight Special Drive’ was being conducted across the Madurai railway division for the purpose from November 16 to 30.

Applicants could approach the special counters in Dindigul, Virudhunagar, Manamadurai, Tenkasi, Tirunelveli and Tuticorin stations between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

The physically challenged persons — orthopedically handicapped, deaf, dumb, mentally challenged, visually challenged — must attach relevant documents such as one set of self- attested copies of concession certificate, photo ID proof, date of birth proof, address proof and two passport-size photographs with a covering letter addressed to the ‘Senior Divisional Commercial Manager,’ mentioning the applicants’ cell phone number.

The envelope containing the documents should be superscribed ‘Application for issue of Railway ID card for Physically Challenged Persons for Ticketing.’

After the receipt of the applications, verification of the documents and authenticity of the physical disability would be carried out with the hospital that issued the certificate and after ensuring the veracity, the photo identity card in the prescribed format, containing an Unique ID number, would be issued.

The process would take weeks to months from the date of the receipt of the application, depending upon the number of applications received. Once the photo ID card was ready, the applicant would be informed by phone to collect the card. The applicant or his / her representative (with proper authorisation letter) could collect the card after showing the original certificates.

Only concession certificate issued by the government hospital / institutions in the area under the jurisdiction of Madurai Division would be considered for issuing photo ID cards.

The passenger would have to carry the photo ID card in original during the journey and will be required to produce the same for verification during on board / off board while checking, the statement said.




Source: The Hindu , 17th Nov 2015