Backlog goes up as Transport Department cuts public dealing hours in Muktsar

Archit Watts

Tribune News Service

Muktsar, February 26

Residents of Muktsar are a harried lot these days as the SDM office has earmarked just one and a half hours for public dealing of work related to the Transport Department and that too once a week.

As a result, people have to go to the district administrative complex here on Wednesday between noon and 1.30 pm to submit their applications for fresh driving licence, its renewal, fresh motor vehicle registration certificate, transfer of ownership of motor vehicle, etc.

Files cleared till December

A lot of work was pending when I assumed the charge. I have managed to clear the pendency till December. Now, as per an order of the government, the RCs and driving licences will not be printed here and come directly to the applicant’s address. — Swaranjeet Kaur, Muktsar SDM

Further, there is huge pendency of driving licences and registration certificates (RCs). Sources in the district administration said the SDM office was overburdened with other work, leading to such a situation. Under these circumstances, some agents are reportedly doing a brisk business.

The sources said a lot of work was pending for the past more than a year. “In 2017, the state government abolished the post of district transport officer and transferred the work related to the Transport Department to the subdivisional magistrates (SDMs). The SDMs are already overburdened and since then, there is chaos,” they said.

“I got the driving licence after nearly six months and that too after approaching a senior official in the district administration,” said a youth.

A resident of Muktsar town said, “I applied for a duplicate registration certificate of my motorcycle in August last year but I am yet to receive it. Every time I ask officials concerned, they say there is acute shortage of blank smart cards.”

Swaranjeet Kaur, Muktsar SDM, said, “A lot of work was pending when I assumed the charge. I have managed to clear the pendency till December. Now, as per an order of the state government, the RCs and driving licences will not be printed here and come directly to the applicant’s address from Mohali.”

Over lesser time having been assigned to get the applications, she said, “This is done to facilitate people and ensure no one has to make numerous rounds to the district administrative complex. I get the applications for the Transport Department-related work on Wednesday and mark it to the subordinate staff on the spot.”