Individuals travelling within the country will no longer be required to register on the Check Post Management System, CPMS. The police, following directives from the home affairs ministry, issued a notification last Monday announcing that they will do away with this requirement at several interior Integrated Check Posts. This has come as a relief to local travellers who say travelling will be much more convenient now.
The Rinchending Integrated Check Post is one of the check posts that no longer requires the verification and validation of CPMS.
All vehicles travelling from the south towards Thimphu, Paro, and other districts have to go through this Integrated Check Post.
Every day, hundreds of vehicles pass through this check post located about five kilometres from Phuentshogling town.
Although the need to register on the CPMS had many benefits, it became a burden for local travellers, especially those with limited educational backgrounds.
“For local travellers, to do CPMS every time we travel via the Rinchending check post was a burden. But then we had to do it and abide by the government’s rules and regulations. Now, it is so convenient without the CPMS,” said Dhan Bdr Pakhring, a resident of Phuentshogling.
“Now that the CPMS at internal check posts has been withdrawn, it is very convenient for us. This is a very good initiative, especially because we have to move around a lot. It is helpful to the residents of Phuentshogling,” said Pema Drukpa, also a resident of Phuentshogling.
Similarly, as per the notification, the CPMS registration is being lifted at various internal Integrated Check Posts including Raidak ICP in Dagana, Shaychamthang in Sarpang, Sherzhong in Sarpang, Pinchina in Samdrup Jongkhar, and Amochu ICP in Samtse, Wakleytarin Tsirang, Chazam in Trashigang, Tingtibi in Zhemgang, and Bjeezam in Trongsa.
Some drivers expressed their concerns over the risk of doing away with the CPMS registration.
“For taxi and public transport drivers like us, it is better to have a Check Post Management System as all sorts of passengers travel with us. There are chances of some people from the bordering towns travelling with us without their citizenship identity cards. I filled in my details in CPMS when I came from Thimphu but there is no checking now,” said Arun Sharma, a taxi driver.
However, CPMS at Bumpagang ICP in Chhukha and all border ICPs would remain in place.
The CPMS was initially introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to track the movement of vehicles and people through formal points of entry and exit.
The system continued even after the pandemic considering its advantages in tracking criminals and facilitating audits besides being helpful during accidents.
Kinley Dem, Phuentshogling
Edited by Phub Gyem
