JAMMU, Sep 28: Shri Ram Sena, a prominent socio-political organization, has raised grave concerns regarding the alarming apathy displayed by the Motor Vehicle Department in Jammu due to the unavailability of driving licenses. In a statement issued today, Rajiv Mahajan, President of Shri Ram Sena Jammu & Kashmir, highlighted a significant discrepancy in the department’s performance.
Jammu and Kashmir have witnessed remarkable progress, transitioning from a conventional paper-based system to a seamless digital era. The administration’s unwavering focus has been on delivering essential services to the public’s doorstep. However, certain departments, including the Transport Department and its Regional Transport Offices (RTOs), appear to be out of sync with the LG administration’s vision.
The current issue revolves around the issuance of driving licenses, specifically concerning the non-availability of smart cards and colored films required for printing permanent licenses. Regrettably, over 10,000 individuals have endured official negligence for over six months.
Mahajan expressed his dismay, stating that it is disconcerting when a department designed for licensing cannot procure the necessary smart cards and colored films in a timely manner, and there seems to be a lack of accountability. This has left the public to fend for themselves. The situation escalates when individuals are stopped by traffic police officials who demand hard copies of their licenses, imposing fines on the spot for non-compliance.
The issue becomes further aggravated when residents of Jammu and Kashmir travel outside the Union Territory. Drivers find themselves in precarious situations despite no fault of their own, as they face difficulties due to the unavailability of their licenses.
Driving without a valid license is a punishable offense, and any resulting FIR or court-imposed penalties could detrimentally impact students’ careers.
Mahajan emphasized that the relentless efforts of the administration to provide efficient online services within stipulated timeframes are being thwarted by the Transport Department’s negligence. While the administration has successfully delivered more than 1,000 services online, the Transport Department has failed to address the issue of driving license printing and issuance for over half a year.
In light of these pressing concerns, Rajiv Mahajan earnestly appeals to LG Sinha to intervene and hold those responsible accountable for resolving this matter expeditiously. It is imperative that the Transport Department aligns its operations with the administration’s commitment to providing seamless and efficient public services.