Hyderabad: With complaints of irregularities at transport offices coming under the scanner following an ACB raid at Bandlaguda RTO, the transport department has begun surprise inspections across the state to check for service delivery.As part of the exercise, joint transport commissioner (Vigilance and Enforcement) M Chandra Shekhar Goud conducted a surprise inspection at the Uppal RTO on Wednesday. He interacted with applicants, checked the functioning of the office and personally observed driving licence tests.Goud spoke to applicants waiting at the office to find out whether staff were treating them properly, how long they had been waiting and whether they were facing difficulties while accessing transport services or online portals. He directed officials to treat applicants courteously and dispose of applications within the prescribed timelines.During the inspection, he reviewed driving licence tests and examined whether the existing testing standards were adequate from the road safety perspective. “Driving tests should be conducted more stringently and thoroughly in accordance with the rules. Licences should be issued only to those who have the required skill and awareness,” Goud said.He also reviewed pending applications on the VAHAN portal and sought details from officials on the reasons for delays. He directed them to clear pending applications at the earliest and warned that avoidable delays would invite action against those responsible.A major focus of the inspection was keeping agents and middlemen out of RTO premises. Goud directed officials not to allow brokers or other unauthorised persons into the office and said staff members who facilitate their entry would be held personally responsible.He instructed officials to prominently display ‘No Entry for Brokers’ boards at the main entrance and at every counter so that applicants are clearly informed that they can directly access transport services or use the VAHAN and SARATHI portals without the help of middlemen.Goud also directed RTOs and deputy transport commissioners to continuously monitor the functioning of offices under their jurisdiction.“The department is committed to providing transparent, efficient and quality services to the public. Surprise inspections will continue across the state to strengthen accountability in service delivery,” Goud said.
