RLA to hold open auction for choice numbers on Oct 19,20

Applicants interested in obtaining these numbers will have to get a demand draft of the prescribed amount in favour of the Registration and Licensing Authority,Chandigarh.

For instance,those interested in participating in the auction of registration number number 0001 will have to get a demand draft of Rs 25,000,which is the reserved price for the number. A copy of a Sale Letter (Form Number 21) and a residence proof will also be required.

The fancy numbers are divided into four categories according to their reserved price varies from Rs 25,000 to Rs 15,000 to Rs 10,000 and Rs 5,000. Anyone with a draft of all the four denomination can participate in the auction of the numbers.

Till now,RLA invited applications for the fancy numbers. Applicants who applied for the fancy number during the booking period could participate in the auction. However,now anyone with a demand draft of the amount fixed as reserved price for a particular number can participate.

Another benefit applicants will be able to enjoy with the new system is that now with one draft they can participate in the auction of all numbers that fall under the particular price band. For instance,an applicant with a draft of Rs 15,000 can bid for all the numbers with a reserved price of the same amount.

“We are trying to attract maximum number of people this time. Open auction will allow people,who could not apply for the choice number on time,to participate in the auction. Earlier there were many applicants who were really interested in obtaining a particular number and came to us after the booking was closed. We could not help them despite repeated requests”,said an RLA official.

In the last auction on August 2 for the CH01AU series,some people allegedly formed a cartel to make sure the bidding did not go high. Following this,seven numbers were cancelled by the Deputy Commissioner’s office.

According to RLA officials,the new method of auction will demotivate any type of cartel formation or use of unfair means. “Earlier it was around 5-10 people who used to bid for a particular number. So there used to be some possibility for prior agreement between the bidders. But now as we expect more number of bidders,use of unfair means will be very difficult,” said an RLA official.