Gujarat : RTO Officers in Surat Under Scanner for Facilitating Driving Tests in Dual Control Cars

Surat : The Regional Transport Department (RTO) in Surat, Gujarat, has come under fire after allegations of corruption surfaced concerning the conduct of car driving license tests. RTI activist Sanjay Ezhava exposed a practice where applicants were allowed to use dual control cars provided by motor driving schools during their tests at the Bardoli RTO track, located outside Surat.

Sanjay Ezhava’s investigation, documented through video footage, revealed a concerning scheme involving RTO inspectors and driving school owners. The individuals seeking licenses would sit in the driver’s seat while another person from the driving school, positioned in the passenger seat, would control the accelerator, clutch, and brake, essentially facilitating the applicant’s success in the test.

Gujarat : RTO Officers in Surat Under Scanner for Facilitating Driving Tests in Dual Control Cars@CMOGuj pic.twitter.com/q61N4ed16S

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Sources claim that the driving test conducted at the Surat RTO is known for its strictness, prompting individuals seeking an easier route to approach the Bardoli RTO for their tests. This alleged collaboration between RTO officials and driving schools has enabled the use of dual control cars during tests, compromising the integrity of the entire process.

“We were appalled to witness the manner in which driving tests were being conducted at the Bardoli RTO,” stated Ezhava. “The driving schools appear to be working hand-in-glove with the inspectors there. Applicants are using dual control cars provided by these schools during the tests, and in return, they are forced to pay hefty bribes to both the RTO officials and the driving school owners.”

Ezhava has taken a firm stance against this practice, submitting a formal representation to Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel along with the video evidence. He has demanded strict action against the involved RTO inspectors and motor driving schools for enabling the use of dual control cars during driving tests, thereby undermining the legitimacy of the licensing process.

This incident highlights the potential dangers of corruption within government departments responsible for ensuring public safety.

“The authorities must take swift and decisive action to investigate these allegations thoroughly and bring those involved to justice. Only through proper enforcement and stringent measures can the integrity of the driving license system be restored and public safety safeguarded” said Ezhava.