Vij orders scrutiny of RTA records

Manish Sirhindi

Tribune News Service

Ambala, April 24

Health Minister Anil Vij today raided the RTA office, Ambala Cantonment, and found several irregularities. After the raid, he wrote to the Transport Minister, asking him to initiate corrective measures, besides ordering a scrutiny of the documents found in the office.

The raid came a day after a 30-year-old man from Bhanokheri village climbed an electricity tower threatening to commit suicide. He said the local authorities had failed to issue him a driving license for heavy vehicle, depriving him of livelihood.

The minister directed the officials to make sure that the public was not harassed due to any mismanagement.

Vij reached the RTA office near the local bus stand at around 12:30 pm and asked for officials files. He found out that there was unprecedented delay in the issuance of driving licenses and passing of the vehicles, fitness certificates and transfer of vehicle registration.

It came to light that two receipts had been issued without any names on it. The officials could not explain the reasons behind the irregularities. He also detected that files pertaining to the Monty filling station and Sun Filling station were lying pending in the office for over a month. Similarly, passing of a vehicle owned by one Rajindra Kaur (HR 37 C -1896) and Piyara Singh (HR 58 A 9737) had not been done for a month. The officials were also sitting upon a file for the issuance of Trade Certificate to Harikishan Automobiles since December 26, 2014.

On the further inspection of the files, the minister discovered the registration of vehicles and issuance of fitness certificates were also being delayed by the officials.

During the inspection those present at the office told the minister that the RTA secretary was available in the office only two days a week and they had to repeatedly visit the office to get their work done.

He issued a stern warning to the official to desist from causing harassment to people and check the activities of commission agents, who take money from people to get works done at the RTA office.

Vij also visited the local bus stand and directed the GM, Roadways, to take up the repair of the structure, which was constructed here in 1997 during the Bansi Lal government on his request. He also directed the GM to ensure availability of drinking water and clean toilets on the bus stand premises.