Transport Secretary inspects RTO Jammu, directs for streamlining services delivery

Advocates direct interface between applicants, authorities to avoid exploitation

JAMMU, June 12: Describing direct interface between applicants and authorities as crucial for ensuring transparent delivery of services, Transport Secretary, G Prasanna Ramaswamy, today issued strict instructions to officers for streamlining services delivery.

Secretary, in his endeavors to ensure transparency and accountability in working of Regional Transport Office, Jammu, today conducted a surprise inspection of the institute and had detailed assessment of services being extended to the public there.

During the inspection, some applicants complained presence of agents in the organisation and sought their removal forthwith to ensure speedy delivery system besides saving them from any kind of exploitation on this account.

Taking cognizance of these complaints, Secretary asked the RTO to ensure that concerned clerk or dealing assistants are stationed in one hall to ensure transparency in dealing with applications for various services available in the office. This will facilitate direct interface between the applicants and the concerned authorities thus avoiding chances of any unethical activity in the organization. 

Secretary asked the concerned officers to ensure that all applications regarding different services are disposed off in a time bound and transparent manner.

He also asked the RTO for ensuring that all necessary sitting arrangements are put in place for the applicants for their complete convenience in getting services in a hassle free and comfortable manner. In this regard, he asked to install steel chairs in the hall for the applicants, while they wait for their turns.

Secretary asked the RTO to direct all the concerned dealing assistants in the office to shift within two days to newly constructed Kiosks in the open hall instead of being holed up in rooms which are inaccessible to the general public.

Prasanna Ramaswamy also issued instructions to RTO for ensuring that the prescribed guidelines of PSGA are strictly adhered to by all concerned and the people are facilitated with the services under this Act within 15 days. He also asked for prioritizing disposal of all long pending cases in the RTO office. 

During the inspection, Secretary took strong notice regarding unacceptable delay and other irregularities in certain services as reported by some of the applicants. He asked the RTO to look into the matter and conduct an in-depth enquiry in some specific issues of grave concerns.

Secretary instructed the RTO Jammu to take action against the erring officials and conduct an in-depth enquiry by the ARTO, Headquarter to unearth the extent of possible illegal and unethical practices in the organization.

Saying that although introduction of online services have eased the tedium of doing business with the  Motor Vehicles Department, Secretary emphasized the need of making the online interfaces user friendly, easily navigable and tamper proof.

During the inspection, Secretary was accompanied by Additional Secretary, Transport, Raj Mohammad Malik and Under Secretary, Transport, Manik Singh Rathore.