Bhullar conducts surprise inspection at Jalandhar Driving Test Track

Punjab Government to appoint staff for free online form-filling to assist applicants- Cabinet Minister

Pendency in RCs and DLs to be cleared in two months; Action initiated against defaulter company

Also checked private buses at Jalandhar Bus Stand, challan issued 

Jalandhar, April 28 (The Hind Canadian Times) : Punjab Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar on Monday conducted a surprise inspection at the Driving Test Track situated in Jalandhar City, closely examining the entire driving test procedure. During his visit, the Minister interacted with applicants and sought their valuable feedback regarding the services being offered at the track.

Speaking to media persons, Mr. Bhullar announced that the Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, will soon appoint two employees at each driving test track across the state. These employees will assist applicants in filling up online application forms free of cost, thus eliminating the need for applicants to pay extra charges at internet cafes. “Applicants will now only pay the government-mandated fees, ensuring transparency and convenience,” the Minister said.

Highlighting steps to improve infrastructure at driving test tracks, Mr. Bhullar informed that the government has released Rs. 1.5 lakh to each Regional Transport Office (RTO) for basic amenities such as sheds, chairs, and drinking water facilities. He further added that RTOs have been directed to submit their specific infrastructural demands, which will be fulfilled soon. To tackle the shortage of manpower, the Transport Department is carrying out recruitment drives on a fast-track basis, he said.

In another significant move, the Minister revealed that new tenders for operating driving test tracks, Registration Certificate (RC) printing, and Driving License (DL) printing will be finalised shortly. Addressing the issue of pending RCs and DLs, he assured that the backlog will be cleared within two months. He also stated that the previous service provider, Smart Chip company, will be blacklisted soon due to service lapses, and the government will forfeit their security deposit of Rs. 5 crore along with an additional pending payment of Rs. 5 crore as punitive action.

During his visit, Mr. Bhullar also directed RTO Jalandhar Balbir Raj Singh to prominently display the fee chart for various transport services to enhance transparency. Later, the Minister conducted surprise checking of private buses at Jalandhar Bus Stand. He said that no bus will be allowed to ply without requisite documentation. During the checking challans were issued to buses plying without documents besides  impounding them.