Chandigarh: The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has pointed out deficiencies in the functioning of regional transport offices (RTOs) in Punjab, highlighting gaps in digital systems, delays in service delivery and short realisation of motor vehicle taxThe audit highlighted weaknesses in VAHAN and SARATHI IT systems used by the transport department, noting that the absence of validation checks in business rules allowed violations of motor vehicle regulations go unchecked. It was observed that proper validation mechanisms could prevent the issue of RCs with duplicate chassis and engine numbers, the grant of fitness certificates without clearance of motor vehicle tax arrears, the renewal or grant of permits beyond the permissible age of vehicles, and the renewal of permits without valid fitness certificates.The audit for the year ended March 31, 2024 also pointed out short levy of fees on registration marks of choice and instances where pollution under control (PUC) certificates were issued for six months instead of the prescribed 12 months in the case of Bharat-IV and Bharat-VI vehicles. The SARATHI system was found deficient in preventing the issuance of driving licences to individuals already holding another licence. The audit also flagged non-compliance by vehicle owners, including failure to obtain permanent registration after expiry of temporary registration, non-renewal of fitness certificates for transport vehicles, non-application for permits in newly registered transport vehicles, and non-renewal of permits.The audit observed deficiencies in departmental functioning, including delays in the issue of vehicle registrations, discrepancies in processing drivers’ and conductors’ licences, shortcomings in automated driving test tracks, lack of monitoring of motor vehicle dealers and driving schools, and delays in publication of notifications in the e-gazette.In RTOs at Jalandhar, Pathankot, Patiala and Ropar, along with the state transport authority (STA), registrations of 24,622 new vehicles were approved beyond the stipulated timeline of 21 working days from the date of payment of fee or tax. In addition, registration of 3,089 vehicles was pending approval.The audit also noted that stage carriage permits in RTOs at Jalandhar and Patiala were issued manually, instead of through the VAHAN system, undermining the benefits of digitalisation.Another gap identified was the absence of any authorised institute in Punjab to provide training to applicants seeking licences to drive goods carriage vehicles transporting dangerous or hazardous goods.Joint inspections of automated driving test tracks in RTOs at Jalandhar, Pathankot, Patiala and Ropar revealed multiple deficiencies. These included the absence of radio frequency identification (RFI) readers to track vehicle movement and identify drivers, lack of face-recognition cameras for identity verification, and absence of video guidance for applicants. The audit also found damaged tracks, faded surface markings, poor maintenance and lack of monitoring by motor vehicles inspectors at certain locations.On the revenue front, the audit found that motor vehicle tax of Rs 55.99 crore was not realised from 221 vehicles or operators in selected RTOs and the state transport authority, as only Rs 109.8 crore was collected against the due amount of Rs 165.79 crore.In another case, the Pepsu Roadways Transport Corporation paid Rs 89.07 crore in motor vehicle tax for stage carriage buses to the RTO at Patiala with delays ranging from 7 to 1,013 days. However, interest amounting to Rs 16.63 crore on the delayed payments was not realised.The audit recommended that the transport department introduce validation checks in VAHAN system to ensure compliance with motor vehicle rules, complete processing of registrations and licences within prescribed timelines, ensure mandatory training certification for drivers transporting hazardous goods, and strengthen infrastructure and technology at automated driving test tracks for efficient and transparent testing.
