SRINAGAR: Transport Commissioner, Vishesh Paul Mahajan, today convened a review meeting of the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD), to assess the overall functioning of the department.

The Commissioner asked the concerned officers for enhancing the public service delivery, regulatory enforcement and operational efficiency.

The meeting was attended by the senior functionaries of the department, including Arun Kishore Kotwal, Additional Transport Commissioner; Vikas Anand, Joint Transport Commissioner while Jasmeet Singh, Regional Transport Officer Jammu; Qazi Irfan, Regional Transport Officer Kashmir; Surinder Paul Sharma, Regional Transport Officer (RTO) Kathua and Assistant Regional Transport Officers of all districts of J&K participated online.

During the meeting, detailed deliberations were held on the functioning of the VAHAN and SARATHI platforms. Emphasis was laid on resolution of technical issues and removal of service bottlenecks to ensure uninterrupted and efficient digital service delivery to the general public.

The Transport Commissioner laid particular emphasis on timely and effective disposal of services covered under the Public Services Guarantee Act (PSGA). All the officers were directed to ensure strict compliance with the timelines prescribed under PSGA for services such as issuance of driving licences, registration of vehicles, grant/renewal of permits and fitness certification.

Various other important issues were discussed during the meeting with directions for immediate compliance like installation of Speed Limiting Devices (SLDs).

The Transport Commissioner directed all the concerned to ensure that all the commercial vehicles shall mandatorily be fitted with Speed Limiting Devices (SLDs) in accordance with the prescribed safety standards. He asked all RTOs and ARTOs to ensure completion of this task by or before August 31, 2025, without fail. He also asked for initiating immediate steps for expeditious disbursement of compensation to victims and dependents under the Accident Victim Fund. He also stressed for timely renewal of permits while ensuring no Sale of Vehicles without Letter of Authority (LA).

The Transport Commissioner issued directives aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability in vehicle fitness inspections. To ensure real-time verification, geo-tagged fitness photographs captured during inspections are required to be uploaded on the same day. Furthermore, the installation of CCTV cameras in all trial grounds and fitness centers has been made mandatory to facilitate robust monitoring. The Commissioner has also emphasized that vehicle fitness inspections should strictly be conducted within officially designated and authorized testing stations. Additionally, automobile dealerships will be inspected to ensure compliance with applicable regulatory norms, thereby promoting adherence to standards and accountability across the board.

The Transport Commissioner directed the Regional Transport Officers (RTOs) and Assistant Regional Transport Officers (ARTOs) to conduct regular enforcement drives to crack down on commercial vehicles operating without valid documentation, including permits and driving licenses. He said that special checking points (NAKAs) will be set up at designated locations and vehicle checking drives will be carried out within respective districts. He instructed the RTOs and ARTOs to ensure strict compliance with these directives and submit regular progress reports.

He further reiterated the department's commitment towards delivering efficient, transparent and technology-driven public services, while ensuring strict enforcement of Motor Vehicle laws across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.