But couched in that irony is the reason why the scheme has flopped so miserably. Printed by the Maharashtra Motor Vehicle Department since the last eight years (no one is sure exactly when the scheme was launched), most commuters are unaware of its existence.

The card, meant to forward complaints regarding harassment by drivers of autorickshaws, taxis and buses to the Regional Transport Office, is supposed to be available at railway stations, bus depots and government offices. Only, they aren't. In fact, only the Regional Transport Officers (RTOs) at Ghatkopar, Andheri and Tardeo stock of them today.

Besides, promising prompt action and protection of the complainant's identity, the postcard also requests the complainant to contact the RTO concerned if action is not takenwithin 60 days.

Once the complaint is lodged, the RTO summons the vehicle owner and driver to assess the situation. If the driver admits to the offence, he is fined Rs 150 and let off with a warning. If he claims innocence, the complainant is called to the RTO and a compromise formula is worked out.

Sources at the Andheri RTO say that in about 60 per cent of cases, the driver tends to pay the fine instead of having his permit being suspended for 10 days. Repeat offenders are fined Rs 300 and third-timers have to pay Rs 500. After that, the permit is suspended for three months.

The Andheri RTO's records indicate that the last financial year recorded just 190 cases, of which 111 were disposed of. The rest were mutually settled.

Apart from the lack of publicity, the absence of the cards at public places has also contributed to the scheme's near-failure. Officials in the Transport Department say shaff-shortage is the main constraint. During his first press conferance after assuming office, TransportCommissioner, V M Lal, had claimed that the Motor Vehicle Department has a total staff of 3,200 for the entire state. ``In fact, there has been no increase in the workforce since 1984,'' he had said.

Lal also told Express Newsline that did not know much about th scheme, but promised to look into the matter. ``We shall stock adequate cards and then try and supply them, but even otherwise the public can send their complaints even on common postcards,'' he said.

He also said a request for information on polluting vehicles too would be included in the card. But, with commuters scarcely aware of the postcard, what difference will that make?