RTO gives learner’s licence in 10 minutes after computer test

Somit Sen TNN 

    You can now get a laminated learner’s licence at the Andheri RTO in just ten minutes after appearing for a computerized test. Nearly 700 applicants received ‘jhatpat licences’ in just two days. 
    TOI recently wrote that the new system, started at the Andheri RTO, can deliver a learner’s licence in just half an hour after a test. “But we have broken this record during the weekend, and now citizens are happy that they received their learner’s licences in ten minutes,” said deputy RTO Bharat Kalaskar. 
    Applicants are happy, but hope that the feeling lasts. It is not only the speed of delivery that has impressed them, but also the new system brings with it advantages like zero corruption, no interference by touts, no waiting in bad weather, no hassles of being shunted from counter to counter, and no long waiting period. 
    “I got my learner’s licence very quickly after giving the computerized test. It’s a great feeling. In the past, my friends received this licence after four days of pursuing the driving school agent,” said Narendra Davande, a 27-year-old employee of a real estate firm. “The procedure at the new RTO building has been streamlined. We were given a token. Once we entered the licence section, it felt like we were in a corporate office. The flow was smooth—the process of registration, submitting documents, biometrics and test was neat. Also, there were no agents or driving school staff accompanying us. It made me feel empowered.” 
    Said software professional Supratik Moitra, who had come with his wife to get a licence, “It feels nice being in an AC ambience while going through the process of applying and getting a learner’s licence.” In the past, the RTO had non-AC chambers and different departments and counters for every procedure. “Now, it’s like an airport. Once you enter, you cannot check out easily. You will have to move ahead after completing each procedure—be it data entry, taking a photograph, thumbprint or digital signature, or sitting for a 15-minute computerized test,” said Manoj Sharma, a Goregaon resident who appeared for the test with his friends. 
    Kalaskar said the new process was streamlined to ensure faster movement and quick disposal of learner's licences. “We are very strict and don’t allow anyone to jump queue or enter any department within the licence section. Every department is guarded and locked once a set of candidates are in,” he said. 
    Said Kajal Tolani, who had brought her daughter Sonali for the licence, “Hats off to the RTO for the new system. We never imagined that this makeover would happen. Citizens will now be encouraged to come personally and apply for a learner’s licence. There is no need of any agent.” 
    A few applicants TOI spoke to complained of a lack of toilet facilities, but RTO officials said that a few toilets were being set up near the token counter, and benches too would be installed for candidates.

Source:::: The Times of India, 19-08-2013, 02, http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Client.asp?Daily=TOIM&showST=true&login=default&pub=TOI&Enter=true&Skin=TOINEW