Cash back in cirulcation in RTO as staff goes missing in action

When The Indian Express visited the office, no staff were found at the counters, and office rooms were locked. However, sections handling learner’s licences and permanent licence-related work were operational.

Manish Kushwaha, who came from Bavdhan, expressed his frustration about struggling to travel in a crowded Metro train amidst the heavy rain, only to be disappointed upon reaching the office. “I came to update the contact number on my sister’s registration certificate (RC), but I found out it would not be possible due to the strike. An agent then approached me, offering to make the changes within two days. He asked me to pay Rs 500 upfront and to return on Monday with my sister and the necessary documents,” he said.

Another man said he had paid Rs 700 to an agent and was promised his work would be done within a couple of days.

When The Indian Express confronted an agent, he claimed there was no need to give money in advance. He suggested approaching the help desk to verify which services were operational and which were not.

Swapnil Bhosle, Deputy Regional Transport Officer, confirmed that the office was closed and that people were still arriving, but they had set up a helpdesk at the RTO office to assist the public.

“Online services like applying for learner’s licences, permanent licences, and fitness certificates are still operational. Applications can be submitted at the helpdesk and forwarded to the department concerned,” he said.

Bhosle also confirmed that secondary transactions involving work after vehicle registrations were the most impacted. “These include changes in address, transfer of ownership, renewal of driving licences, hypothecation endorsements, and so on,” he said.

Ganesh Pathak, who came with his son to enquire about the VIP number series for his son’s new vehicle and to renew his licence, was asked by an agent to pay Rs 1,500. “When we approached the helpdesk regarding the agent, instead of helping us, the official rudely responded, ‘If they can do it, then go and ask them to do it’,” Pathak said.

He added that while the office was already closed, instead of helping, the officials were being rude for no reason.

Jagdish Kande, the working president of the Motor Vahan Vibhag (RTO) Karmchari Sanghatna, mentioned that approximately 1,200 applications were processed daily, and there was no specific end date for the strike.