Pune: ACB Inspection at Pune RTO Office Disrupts Operations, Causes Delays

Pune, 26th June 2024: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) conducted a surprise inspection at the Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO) on Monday afternoon (24th June), leading to significant operational disruptions and delays. The sudden arrival of ACB officers, who had not previously visited the RTO office, caused staff, particularly those in the licensing department, to disappear, resulting in a halt in regular work.

Inspectors began scrutinizing documents, slowing down the processing of transactions. This disruption on Monday continued into Tuesday (25th June), with a notable increase in citizen turnout at the license department.

Despite the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) operating a Faceless facility, citizens still need to visit the RTO office for various tasks. The ACB staff entered the RTO office around noon on Monday, prompting workers, including Motor Vehicle Inspectors and Assistant Motor Vehicle Inspectors, to vacate their posts. The scrutiny of vehicle license documents further delayed operations, creating a crowded environment at the RTO office until late in the evening. Citizens who were unable to complete their tasks on Monday returned on Tuesday, adding to the already scheduled appointments, resulting in long queues in the license department.

Attempts to contact Regional Transport Officer Archana Gaikwad for comments were unsuccessful.

Vitthal Mehta, Director of a Driving School in Pune, mentioned, “Previously, there was insufficient manpower in the license department. Now, however, the manpower shortage is resolved. Earlier, applicants were accommodated in only two halls. If another hall is made available, the crowd can be better managed.”