the goan I network
MARGAO
Ms Real Mazon, the agency appointed to install the High Security Registration Plates (HSRPs) has failed the RTO test once again.
When representatives of the Agency approached the Margao RTO seeking a nod for resumption of operations at the Arlem office from Tuesday, RTO inspectors turned down the permission on grounds that the agency had not yet put logistics in place.
On request from the agency, Assistant Director of Transport Prakash Kholkar deputed as many as three RTO inspectors to the Arlem office, only to find the logistics not up to their satisfaction. When the RTO office had directed the agency to set up a minimum four counters at the venue, the RTO inspectors found manpower as well as logistics missing -- such as computers and hard disc at the place.
The agency, sources said, was also planning to take up the work installation of HSRP at Quepem division at the Arlem office, but the RTO officials are believed to have said a firm no for the simple reason that fixing HSRPs on vehicles of Salcete and Quepem would only result in chaos and confusion.
“The area where the agency intends to resume operations was not found clean. The information boards were not found visible enough at the place. There was no pandal put up at the venue, nor drinking water and toilet arrangements in place,” RTO sources said.
It could not be immediately gathered whether it’s the responsibility of the agency to provide these amenities, including pandal, drinking water and toilet facility or the RTO. For, a representative of Real Mazon had categorically told the RTO officials at the district Collectorate sometime ago that the tender conditions mandates the transport department to provide these logistics.
When contacted, the Assistant Transport Director informed that the arrangements made by Ms Real Mazon at the Arlem office was not as per the satisfaction of the RTO inspectors. “After last month’s uproar which threatened to snowball into a major law and order problem, we have decided to ensure that the directions of the district Collector, South are implemented in both letter and spirit,” he said.
Kholkar pointed out that the inspection carried out by his three Inspectors only revealed that the logistics were not in place. “We have now told the agency to put in place the logistics and come back again for permission. Till such time, the agency will not be allowed to resume the exercise at the Arlem office,” he said.
The RTO Arlem office had witnessed an uproar on October 31 after Goa Forward Chief Vijai Sardesai and his supporters had stormed the venue demanding better amenities.
After the intervention of the district Collector, South Ajit Roy, Assistant Transport Director, South Prakash Kholkar had directed the agency to provide at least six counters at the Arlem office, against the existing two counters, with two counters each for the senior citizens and general public and one counter each for the disabled and ladies. The agency has been warned that it should not only open the
six counters, but appoint workers to man each of the counters.
The agency was further directed to provide at least 20 fitters with sophisticated working tools for fitment of the plates as per the terms and conditions. Further directions were issued to provide HSRP detail boards about description, size and details for public information and at three different locations.
To avoid congestion at the Arlem office, the agency was told to exercise control of issuance of appointment as per the availability of space.
The agency, Ms Real Mazon was further directed to provide a pandal with water drinking facility, toilet facility with proper ventilation, besides seating arrangements at the office.
