Background checks delay Kochi police plan to issue IDs to private bus staff

The Kochi City police's initiative to issue identity cards to private bus employees after extensive background checks will likely face delays. Around 380 out of the nearly 4,000 bus workers have undergone verification thus far, despite the initial deadline of September-end having passed. The police have received 1,383 applications for verification since the program began last month. The special branch of the police conducts the verification process based on applications received by the traffic wing.

An officer involved in the verification process explained that many bus employees from various districts are involved, making the verification lengthy. Additionally, some bus operators appear reluctant to submit their employees' details, causing further delays. The police anticipate the remaining workers to submit their information within two weeks via their operators and associations.

The police estimate that about 4,000 individuals are employed on buses operating within or passing through the city. Some workers may be preparing the necessary documents for verification, while those with criminal records are less likely to submit their details. A representative from the Ernakulam Private Bus Operators Association stated that most of their members have already submitted their information.

However, a bus operator noted that only a small number of people work permanently on buses, and others may be hesitant to undergo police verification. The police have intensified enforcement against unruly behavior and traffic rule violations by private bus employees, with 2,003 cases booked between September 9 and 30. This includes 41 cases for alleged drunken driving and 71 cases for dangerous driving. District Police Chief Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar stated that similar verification drives will continue in the coming days.