RLA switches to online appointment system

Ramkrishan Upadhyay

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 16

While the Registration and Licensing Authority (RLA) has started total online appointment system in its functioning from Monday, the waiting period for appointment has extended to at least a week.

All slots for appointments are full for the coming week. The RLA has stopped issuing tokens to applicants at its office in Sector 17 here, forcing them to book appointment online.

Approximately 600 people visited the RLA office on Monday for various works after getting online appointment. Those who came in without appointment were given dates available. No token was issued on Monday.

Earlier, the RLA had been issuing 100 tokens a day to those who walked in without appointment.

The UT Administration had started the online appointment system at the office of the RLA on February 8 this year and stopped receiving files or documents for issuance of driving licence or registration certificates or other such works manually.

Rakesh Kumar Popli, the RLA, said they had started two additional counters for the works on Monday. He added that they might increase the number of counters in future. He said the token system was allowed to continue earlier to help people understand the online appointment system. The system started working smoothly and they decided to switch to online appointment system.

Around 500 people visit the RLA office daily for various works. Now, they have to book a prior appointment for their works.

Mobile app on the cards

The RLA is also working on a project to develop a mobile app, which people could use to book appointment. The app will also provide all information regarding the works done at the office of the RLA.

New ways to avail of RLA service

• Applicants can get online appointment by logging on to the official website, www.chdtransport.gov.in or through Chandigarh Helpline Number (1860-180-2067) or at the main RLA office in Sector 17.
• After logging in, the applicant will have to furnish details, including name, gender, mobile phone number and appointment type. 
• On submitting the details, the applicant will receive a one time password (OTP) on the registered mobile number. On entering the OTP, a web page for selection of date and time of appointment will pop up. 
• The applicant will have to make a choice for the time of appointment. After getting a confirmation, the applicant will have to visit the RLA office for submission of file at the allotted time.
• While a majority of residents book their appointment through website, around 100 people are getting the appointment on the helpline number.