At Pune RTO, unauthorised agents have a field day, fleece visitors

The Indian Express found that driving schools play a crucial role in referring clients to agents. Many people, after learning to drive from these schools, are instructed to meet agents at the RTO for a hassle-free process. These customers are required to show the school’s stamp on their documents to the officials. Those without driving school stamps are turned away and instructed to obtain them. Exploiting the situation, agents continue to entice clients in return for money exceeding Rs 1,000.

A college student from Pune University, who went directly to the RTO, was advised by the driving school staff to meet an agent they usually liaise with. “After I approached the official to endorse the application (which included all required documents), the official asked from where I learned to drive. I mentioned the driving school’s name. He insisted on obtaining a stamp from the school before submitting the application,” he said.

“I was very surprised and angry because I knew it wasn’t necessary. I had to argue with them extensively before they accepted the form and issued me the learner’s license without any additional payments,” he added.

Sanjeev Bhor, RTO Pune, stated that the department is striving to raise awareness and urging people not to approach agents. However, subordinate officials seem to be colluding with the agents.

From moving up in the queue to deliver documents, agents have access that ordinary citizens lack. In response, Bhor said that he would investigate the matter.

An IT professional from Pune mentioned that he applied for a temporary licence six months ago. Due to his delay in applying, he is reapplying for a licence. “Within the given six months, I was supposed to apply for permanent licence, but I failed to do so. Last time, the process was quick and on time; I didn’t even need to approach any agent. However, this time, to save time, I approached an agent, and he is handling all my work,” he said.

After he received his licence, he said he regretted paying Rs 1,500 to the agent as had he followed the procedure it would have cost him Rs 150.

Akshay Damble, residing in Budhwar Peth, paid an extra Rs 500 to bypass the online driving licence computer test exam after failing in his previous attempt, leading him to approach an agent. The Indian Express discovered from Damble’s agent that the mandatory exam, which everyone must take, can be bypassed for an additional fee.

“I am paying the agent to get my documents approved,” Damble said. When asked about the officials’ involvement, he said that they are aware of documents processed through agents.

“We initiated a move to ban agents, after which they approached the High Court. We cannot hinder them as they are allowed to represent their party,” said a Pune RTO official.