Tamil Nadu e-Governance Agency (TNeGA) took to Twitter on Thursday, May 20, 2021, asking people to call the toll-free number for any assistance or clarification. The toll-free number 1100 shall be available for assistance from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm. This tweet comes in response to the various complaints by citizens about the lack of clarity regarding the documents need for e-registration. This problem is especially grave for inter-district travellers within the state of Tamil Nadu.
The second wave of COVID-19 has significantly impacted the country, forcing various state governments to impose mini lockdowns within their respective states. The Tamil Nadu government imposed a lockdown from May 10 to 24, 2021. Following this, inter-district travel was also restricted from May 17, 2021. However, such travel for emergency purposes like medical emergencies, weddings, funeral rituals, and elderly care is permitted within the state.
Citizens in Tamil Nadu were asked to avail an e-pass to travel between districts even for emergency situations. This registration for inter-district and inter-state would take place on the official website eregister.tnega.org maintained by TNeGA. However, to avail an e-pass, individuals are required to furnish certain important documents. The state government is yet to release the list of documents required. This uncertainty about e-registration is creating worry and chaos among citizens.
To register for the e-pass, candidates are required to visit the official website and choose between two options – coming to Tamil Nadu from foreign country or others (inter-state or inter-district). After selecting the correct option, they must enter their mobile number and OTP received in the spaces provided. Thereafter, they must click on the “Login” option to submit their details.
After successfully logging-in, candidates must again choose the purpose and type of travel i.e., individual or group travel by road, individual or group travel by flight or, commercial establishments, organisations, services, etc. By selecting the correct option, they must enter the necessary details such as personal information, reasons for travel, documents of proof, etc. After completing all these formalities, individuals shall be issued their e-pass in due course.
The e-pass system has been imposed in various states including Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh as a measure to curb the spread of the virus. This system is not applicable for essential services workers but for citizens who have to travel or commute for emergency reasons.
The e-pass also enables state governments to restrict extensive and unauthorised public movement during the lockdown period. Any person found roaming around without belonging to essential/exempt services or without an e-pass shall be charged. Currently, India is facing a crisis and measures such as this can help streamline the country’s road to recovery.
