PANAJI
Cash transactions are expected to be replaced by cashless modes of payment in all RTO offices over the coming days.
Speaking to The Goan, Director of Transport Nikhil Desai said, "Many reforms are needed. The proposal is under consideration to start Automated Driving Test Tracks where licenses will be given on merits and not on whims and fancies of our officers. Also, we are starting an Automated Vehicle Testing Track to grant fitness certificate without inspectors interference."
Desai informed that the Directorate is in the process of migrating services online so that agents and touts lose business. "In the next few days, we will cease cash transactions by installing credit and debit card Point of Sale machines in all offices," he disclosed.
The Director made these statements in reaction to an appeal filed by a license applicant, whose driving license application was turned down twice by the motor vehicle inspector because he chose to drive his private vehicle for the test instead of getting enrolled in a driving school. The officer told the applicant that the test has to be conducted in a vehicle with dual control, a condition which is conspicuously absent from the Motor Vehicle Act.
In his appeal, the license applicant questioned the illegal practice of forcing the public to go through driving schools in order to obtain a valid driving license.
Transport Director Desai has since directed the Assistant Director of Transport, Panaji to pass an order deciding whether the rules and Motor Vehicle Act makes it mandatory to have dual control vehicle for driving test.
