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People are facing problems after the launch of the new system. Do you think it would work properly in the future?
Of course. It is a good project and we have started getting the results after the initial hiccups. Whenever a new system is introduced, it takes some time for the acceptability and people have now started accepting it.
How has the new system been able to control agents?
Well, it is a transparent system and we are happy that with the introduction of the system, the old system of agents is now diminishing. Yes, there was some resentment among the employees probably because they could not exploit anyone for their own interests. Now, everything takes place in front of the applicants. They have to pass the test to obtain a driving license. In fact it is a good thing that the applicants are getting a fair deal.
There is a procedure to go through some theoretical test. Do you think the old licence holders who come to renew their licences or someone less qualified can clear it?
We have made the test very easy. I should clear that the theoretical test is not about writing the answers of tough questions, rather it is to identify some symbols related to road safety and traffic signals. Initially, some of the new applicants failed in the tests, but later we started giving them some time to prepare for the test, following which they started clearing it easily.
If a candidate fails in the test, then can he again apply for the licence?
If a candidate fails in the test, he or she can again come to appear in the test. But if they fail for the second time, it does not mean that their chances are over. If a candidate wants to appear again, they have to pay a fee of Rs 50 and from the third attempt onwards, he/she can appear for the test by paying Rs 50 until he does not clear it.
How do you monitor the working in these centres and how much time the district transport officials (DTO) spend there?
We have developed a system now. W have created WhatsAap groups and all the DTOs and our staff report to me about their presence at the centres. A DTO has to sit from 9am to 1.30pm at the centre so that he can issue the licences on the spot. If any DTO is on leave, then we send his alternative at the centre to do the work smoothly.
Apart from transparency, what are the other features of the new system?
With the introduction of the system, now only those people will get the licence who will know how to drive a vehicle. It will cut short the rash driving incidents and eventually the road accidents. Most of the road accidents are attributed to faulty driving, so we are hoping that this system will, to some extent, help us to reduce the road accidents.
Do you want a new provision for conducting a test for renewal of licences? Will it be viable?
Yes, we want an amendment in the Punjab Motor Vehicle Act. We have also sought a legal opinion on it and it will come in force shortly. The test will be conducted to check the skills of drivers and if anyone fails in it, his licence could be cancelled.
It is a strange thing, it does not happen anywhere in the country. Don’t you think that people will see it as a money-making tact?
Not at all. If it happens, Punjab would be the first state in the country to conduct the tests for renewal of driving licences. It will help us improve the driving sense of people and it will not be used to scare them.
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What is your plan for heavy or commercial vehicle driving test process?
We are successfully running one centre in Mangwana for heavy and commercial vehicle licence. The state government understands the importance of these tracks and planning to open three new tracks at Gurdaspur, Kapurthala and Malerkotla on an 10-acre land at a cost of Rs 4 crore.
How many people are taking the test on an average per day?
Around 500 to 700 people are appearing for the tests on a daily basis. However, the dominance has been shown by two-wheeler applicants over four-wheeler.
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