The Centre has asked transport departments in various States to include an additional application form of citizenship declaration to issue driving licences.
This is being done in the context of many terrorists using driving licences to get other documents and to open bank accounts.
The twin blasts terror suspect, Rizwan Ghazi of Bangladesh, had got a driving licence from the city though he was staying illegally in the country.
Accordingly, the State Transport Authority has about necessary changes in the rules. Earlier, a foreign national, be it a Bangladeshi, a Pakistani or a Nigerian, was able to get an Indian driving licence on the basis of a driving licence issued by his native country.
But now foreign nationals would have to produce their visas and legal authority document issued by the Special Branch (SB) of the police to get a licence. All foreign nationals in the State have to register themselves with the SB. Foreign students will also have to produce their admission letters, while those foreigners who are employed here would have to submit their employment letters.
"It has been observed that terror elements are using driving licences to get even ration cards," said joint transport commissioner C.L.N. Gandhi. "The new system will prevent this."
Even Indian citizens will have to prove their nationality with documents such as PAN card, voter's identity card, MRO certificate or educational certificates.
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