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Journalism of Courage
After last week’s meeting between the RTO, Pune, and NIC to curb unauthorised agents from extorting money from customers, the RTO, with the assistance of NIC, successfully addressed the technical challenges associated with applying for Additional Endorsement of Driving License (AEDL).
The primary issue leading visitors to the RTO office and losing money to agents was license endorsement. Following the meeting, both RTO and NIC collaborated to eliminate the need for people to visit the office for assistance. The decision was made and the issue was taken into consideration after The Indian Express reported last week on the malpractice of RTO agents making money.
Sanjeev Bhor, an official from Pune RTO, stated that individuals holding valid two-wheeler licenses no longer need to visit the office, as they can apply for AELD online from home. “People often encounter technical difficulties while applying online, prompting them to visit the RTO, but we have now resolved this issue. However, we are still working on other remaining issues,” he added.
Bhor mentioned another reason for people resorting to agents: issues with the camera sensors at home during online learning license exams. Applicants often fail the online test if the camera detects even slight movement in the picture. This leads many to approach middlemen at the RTO to bypass the exam, allowing agents to exploit the situation for financial gain.
“To address this, the RTO has announced plans to first verify the reason for exam failures through technical surveillance, eliminating the need for people to approach us,” Bhor explained.
Applicants struggle with their names while applying online for learning licenses, as their Aadhaar card names do not match the RTO’s requirements. Bhor clarified that unlike other states, Maharashtra requires the middle name in legal documents, posing a hurdle in the RTO’s procedures.
“Aadhaar cards do not include the middle name, whereas RTO requires it, creating issues for applicants. This problem requires an urgent solution,” stated Vijay Kumar Duggal, President of the Maharashtra State Motor Driving School Owners Association.
