Pune RTO Under Scrutiny: Allegations of Exploitation by Agents Surface Amid Online Service Availability
Pune, 4th May 2024: Numerous services provided by the Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO) are available online. However, despite this convenience, citizens encounter difficulties accessing these services online, necessitating repeated visits to the office. Allegations have arisen suggesting that RTO agents exploit such situations, taking advantage of citizens.
The Pune Regional Transport Office is perceived to be under the influence of these agents, with citizens lamenting the widespread accessibility of authorities and the apparent disregard from senior officials.
Upon entering the RTO, citizens are immediately approached by intermediaries inquiring about their needs. These agents spend their days locating people, acting as mediators. Many of these agents exploit citizens by overcharging for their services. Moreover, they caution citizens about the risks associated with applying directly, creating a sense of dependency. Throughout the day, hundreds of such agents roam the premises of the RTO, yet authorities seem to turn a blind eye to their activities. Some agents even boldly enter the officers’ hall, illustrating a lack of fear or consequence within the RTO Office.
Despite the availability of many RTO services online, citizens are often required to visit the office due to various errors. Exploiting this situation, agents capitalize on citizens’ lack of awareness regarding RTO procedures, promising expedited services in exchange for money. Citizens, eager to save time, pay these brokers, perpetuating a cycle of exploitation. Many wonder how these agents gain direct access to officers’ halls while ordinary citizens endure lengthy queues.
Furthermore, some agents resort to threatening RTO officials and employees, hinting at a deeper collusion. Sanjeev Bhor, the Regional Transport Officer-in-Charge, stated, “Instructions have been issued to restrict access to the learner’s driving license department solely to applicants. A designated employee has been appointed, and officers conduct regular checks.”
The proliferation of driving schools in the city adds another layer to this issue. Students from these schools are directed to brokers, who stamp their applications with the driving school’s seal. This stamp expedites the process at the RTO, raising suspicions about the driving school’s involvement. Questions persist regarding the nature of these stamps and their significance.
