Thiruvananthapuram: The long wait at the Regional Transport Office (RTO) for getting driving license, learners license, vehicle registration and other services will be a thing of past, with the authorities opening a new people-friendly hit-tech of-fice in the state capital.
In an effort to curb corruption and avoid involvement of middleman, the Motor Vehicle Department is planning to introduce a token system. It is learnt that around 250-300 people visit the regional transport office on a daily basis.
A top official of RTO said that it’s the pilot project of the Motor Vehicles Department. “The people-friendly office aims at ending corruption, malpractices and end the involvement of middleman for availing various services. We want the public to come to our office directly and avail services. Currently, people are hesitant to come to the office to avoid long hours of waiting and are looking for alternatives to make things done,” said the official.
The official said that the project would be rolled out across the state based on the success of the trial run. Around 10 counters would function at the new office. The plan is to provide hassle-free banking model services to hundreds of people arriving at the office daily. The 9,000 sq ft fully air-conditioned brand new office, whi-ch is expected to open by November second week, with people-friendly facilities is coming up on the fifth floor of Thampanoor Bus Terminal.
“The project costs around Rs 2.3 crores. We are working on a way to simplify the procedures so that we can provide services quickly. Also, the new office would help us manage our resources more effectively,” said the official.
“Currently, we have only four computers for giving learners test. Around 80-90 applicants come to our office daily for taking learners test. In the new off-ice, we are providing 10 systems so that we can wind up the test within 4 hours,” the official added.
According to officials, only 25 of the total 33 clerks have a desk at the current office. “The new office would enable us to function at full strength,” said the official said.
