Staff crunch hits RTO in Chikkamagaluru

The severe shortage of staff has affected the functioning of the RTO in Chikkamagaluuru.

Out of the 43 sanctioned posts, 21 posts are lying vacant. The post of Regional Transport Officer (RTO) is also lying vacant.

At present, a probationary officer is deployed to the post. The two posts of senior motor vehicle inspectors are lying vacant. Out of the five sanctioned posts of vehicle inspectors, only one person is present.

Owing to the shortage of staff, the registration of vehicles, the process of issuing of driving license and other official work is getting delayed.

There are two RTOs in Chikkamagaluru district, of which, Chikkamagaluru RTO covers Chikkamagaluru, Mudigere, Koppa, Sringeri and N R Pura taluks.

On an average 800 vehicles are registered, 800 LLRs and 750 DLs are issued monthly.

Speaking to DH, Ramanahalli resident Putte Gowda said, “The shortage of staff has affected the functioning of the RTO. We have to visit two or three times for one work. The government should fill the vacancies soon.”

There is a delay in vehicle inspection for violation of the traffic rules, issue of driving license and document verification.

Additional Transport Commissioner C P Narayanaswamy said, “About 52% of the posts are vacant in the RTO. There is a need to fill the vacancies.”

There is a proposal to set up an automated driving test track. About 10 acres of land is required for the purpose.

There is also a proposal to set up an inspection and certification centre, which requires another four acres of land. If the district administration earmarks the land, then the proposal can be taken forward.