UID number plates: 25K properties covered, around 4 lakh remaining

Tribune News Service

Harshraj Singh

Ludhiana, February 15

Months after the launching of the project aimed at attaching UID number plates with QR codes to properties in the city under the Smart City Mission, the mapping of around 1.25 lakh properties has been done while the plates have been affixed to around 25,000 properties thus far. The project’s goal is to cover about 4.5 lakh properties in the jurisdiction of the Municipal Corporation within one year from its commencement.

However, the project seems to be progressing at a slow pace. Notably, the work order for the same was issued in April 2023 and its contract completion date is April 12, 2024. The way the project is progressing, it seems it might miss the deadline.

Some challenges have also been faced by workers who went to collect property data under the project. Officials cited opposition from residents in some areas to the collection of the property data necessary for installing UID number plates equipped with QR codes. The QR codes allow access to property information such as property tax, water supply and sewerage charges and other details. Once the UID plates are installed, it will be easy to identify those who have not paid property tax and other charges, according to information.

MC’s Superintending Engineer Vivek Verma said workers faced issues while collecting data in some areas initially as several people opposed to providing data. However, the MC staff resolved the matter later. He explained that the work progresses in different phases, mapping is done in the first stage, followed by the temporary writing of UID numbers on properties and finally, the installation of UID number plates.

Verma added that the mapping of approximately 1.25 lakh properties had been completed and UID number plates had been affixed to 25,000 properties. Currently, the project work was going on in five blocks. Around 4.5 lakh properties had to be covered.

MC Executive Engineer Balwinder Singh said the survey work was progressing at a right speed. However, the installation of the number plates was slightly affected in some areas due to opposition from residents, leading to workers making repeated rounds for the same.

The MC previously launched a survey of all properties under the geographic information system (GIS) project over a decade ago and UID number plates were also affixed to a number of properties. But the plates had not been affixed to many of the properties in the city. Later, the civic body introduced a new project at a cost of around Rs 5.75 crore under the Smart City Mission for the installation of the UID number plates on the properties in its limits.

A resident said a UID number was written on the front wall of his house using a blue marker around five years ago but it had disappeared over the time. However, it remains linked to the property. Nevertheless, the UID number plate had not been installed so far.

Project likely to miss deadline

The project aimed at attaching UID number plates with QR codes to properties in the city seems to be progressing at a slow pace. Notably, the work order for the same was issued in April 2023 and its contract completion date is April 12, 2024. The way the project is progressing, it seems it might miss the deadline.

About The Author

Tribune News Service

The Tribune News Service brings you the latest news, analysis and insights from the region, India and around the world. Follow the Tribune News Service for a wide-ranging coverage of events as they unfold, with perspective and clarity.

Join Whatsapp Channel of The Tribune for latest updates.