Congress MLA Avtar Henry Junior raised concerns over the 100 per cent pass rate of applicants appearing for driving tests in Phillaur, questioning how every candidate could pass flawlessly. The MLA had sought data from the transport department for the past six months on driving test centres in Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, and Phillaur. “In the USA, the pass percentage for driving tests is around 62-65 per cent. In Punjab, if we look at the data for RTA Jalandhar, the pass rate is 94-98 per cent. But in Phillaur, every single person who appeared for the driving test has passed. Will the minister ensure that only those who can actually drive a car, scooter, tractor, or any other heavy vehicle are issued licences?” he asked. The MLA further alleged that in Phillaur, even those who do not know how to drive can obtain a licence by paying Rs 15,000. He also raised concerns about untrained and unqualified individuals driving e-rickshaws in Punjab’s cities and towns. “In Jalandhar, there are around 15,000-20,000 e-rickshaws, while Ludhiana has 25,000-30,000. Nearly 90 per cent of these e-rickshaw drivers do not have licences,” he said, demanding to know what steps the government would take to address the issue. The minister responded that if any official was found taking money to issue driving licences, an inquiry would be conducted, and strict action would be taken.
