Though there’s no Color-coded sticker system anymore, the state of Maharashtra has begun with the E-Pass system once again in the state.
The E-Pass system is wherein individuals ONLY in case of extreme emergency will be allowed to travel inter-city and inter-district once they have the E-Pass.
Maharashtra, being the worst hit state by the coronavirus pandemic, this is one of the major steps that the state has taken in order to control the increasing Covid-19 cases.
The Director General of Police Sanjay Pandey said, “The e-pass system has been reintroduced from Friday and citizens should use it in the case of absolute emergency. People have to apply on https://Covid19.mhpolice.in/ and submit the necessary documents and mention the reason,”
Answering a few questions in relation to the E-Pass:
1 . Who Needs to Apply for the E-pass?
People who DO NOT fall in the category of Essential Services like Doctors, Nurses, Police, Government Employees, Food Delivery, etc. CAN apply for the E-pass ONLY in Extreme Emergency like Medical Emergencies, Marriages or in case of any Death in the family.
2 . Who approves the E-pass?
The E-pass goes to the Zonal Deputy Commissioner of Police then to the District’s, the Superintendent of Police office has the right to approve or reject the application.
They also have the right to reject the application if necessary and also reason the rejection.
3 . How can one get an E-Pass?
-Go to the official e-pass portal: https://covid19.mhpolice.in/
-Click on the tab ‘apply for pass here’.
-On the next page, select the district you want to travel in.
-Submit the necessary documents.
-Mention the reason for your extreme emergency travel.
-Combine all the relevant documents in a single file while uploading.
-After submitting the application, you will receive a token ID. Save it, and use it to check the status of your application.
-After the verification and approval by the concerned departments, you can download the e-pass using the token ID.
-The e-pass will contain your details, vehicle number, validity and a QR code.
-Keep a soft/hard copy with you while traveling and show it to the police when asked.
4 . Does the E-pass have to be carried while travelling within the city/district?
No. A person working in the financial sector, government sector or under any other essential service sector within the city needs to carry their identity card.
Thane’s Police Commissioner Vivek Phansalkar, as reported by The Indian Express, said, “If anyone falling under any of the category is travelling on a public holiday or a weekend, they need to either present a message or any relevant document that proves that they have been called to their workplace or the person will be asked to return or action may be taken against him,” said Thane police commissioner Vivek Phansalkar.
5 . Until when will the E-Pass System be in place?
As of now, the E-pass system is valid till 1st May, 2021. But, if the state government stretches the Lockdown, E-passes will be necessary even then.
