MVD Makes Aadhaar-Based OTP Verification Mandatory for 60 More Services

Thiruvananthapuram: The Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) has made Aadhaar-based OTP verification mandatory for 60 more services. The change came into effect on Monday. Vehicle-related services will be available through the ‘Vahan’ portal, while driving licence-related services will be provided through the ‘Sarathi’ portal.

The MVD said the new system aims to prevent intermediaries from exploiting applicants and demanding money by deliberately delaying applications.

Currently, 21 services can be accessed without visiting an office in person. With the new system, applicants will not have to visit MVD offices for most services, the department said in a statement.

Once the new system is implemented, applicants will only need to visit offices in person for requirements such as vehicle inspection, identification and personal hearings. Slots for such services can be booked through the ‘Nammude Keralam’ portal. Applicants can also attend personal hearings through video calls using the ‘We Meet’ facility.

Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants will no longer have to submit copies of online applications at MVD offices. Those requiring technical assistance can approach Akshaya centres, Common Service Centres or RTO offices.

Applicants whose Aadhaar OTP verification fails will have to appear at an office in person. Slots for driving and conductor licence tests can be booked through the Sarathi portal, while fitness inspection slots can be booked through the Vahan portal.

However, the Parivahan website, which provides various Motor Vehicles Department services, has been facing technical problems that have not yet been resolved. Hundreds of vehicles have reportedly been stranded at the borders as permissions could not be obtained through the website.

The decision to bring 60 more services online has raised concerns among travellers. The move comes at a time when even existing services are reportedly not being provided properly due to problems with the website.