Touts active at RTA office

Jaswant Shetra 

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, December 11 

Despite digitisation of various services provided by the Regional Transport Authority, touts continue to hold sway at the local office with the alleged connivance of the staff. 

According to sources, the collusion starts from the first step of booking slot to issuing permanent licence and registration cards. This illegal service is flourishing due to the lack of awareness of online services. “The touts get work done much before the stipulated date and time by managing the officer concerned. Most people prefer to get their work done through a tout to avoid harassment and to save time,” the sources said. 

Some applications forms, supposed to be available at the RTA office for free of cost, were found with the touts, who were selling these to applicants. 

During a visit to the office today, the touts were seen searching for their prospective clients. A few applicants complained that certain officers directed them to middlemen to get their work done without any hurdle. “I recently visited the office of Regional Transport Authority to get the RC of my car renewed. A staff member guided me to an agent who charged Rs 100 for the renewal form,” said Aman Kohli. RTO Lovejeet Kaur Kalsi said:“We provide services to people with  sincerity and honesty. The forms are available online and the public shall download these from our website, instead of visiting touts. No one has approached me over this issue.”