CAG Audit Uncovers Systemic Failures in Punjab's Regional Transport Offices
The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has identified significant deficiencies in the functioning of regional transport offices (RTOs) across Punjab, highlighting critical gaps in digital systems, persistent delays in service delivery, and substantial shortfalls in the realization of motor vehicle tax. This audit, covering the period up to March 31, 2024, underscores widespread issues that compromise regulatory compliance and public safety.
Digital System Weaknesses and Regulatory Violations
The audit report pointed out severe weaknesses in the VAHAN and SARATHI IT systems utilized by the Punjab transport department. Notably, the absence of proper validation checks within business rules has allowed numerous violations of motor vehicle regulations to go unchecked. For instance, the systems failed to prevent the issuance of registration certificates (RCs) with duplicate chassis and engine numbers, the grant of fitness certificates without clearing motor vehicle tax arrears, and the renewal or issuance of permits beyond the permissible age limits for vehicles.
Additionally, the SARATHI system was found deficient in preventing the issuance of driving licences to individuals who already held another licence, creating potential risks on the roads. The audit also observed that stage carriage permits in RTOs at Jalandhar and Patiala were issued manually instead of through the VAHAN system, undermining the intended benefits of digitalization and leading to inefficiencies.
Service Delays and Administrative Shortcomings
Significant delays in service delivery were documented across multiple RTOs. In offices at Jalandhar, Pathankot, Patiala, and Ropar, along with the state transport authority (STA), registrations for 24,622 new vehicles were approved beyond the stipulated timeline of 21 working days from the date of fee or tax payment. Furthermore, registration approvals for 3,089 vehicles remained pending, exacerbating backlogs and inconveniencing vehicle owners.
The audit also highlighted deficiencies in departmental functioning, including discrepancies in processing drivers' and conductors' licences, shortcomings in automated driving test tracks, lack of monitoring of motor vehicle dealers and driving schools, and delays in the publication of notifications in the e-gazette. These issues collectively hinder the efficiency and transparency of transport services in the state.
Infrastructure and Safety Concerns
Joint inspections of automated driving test tracks in RTOs at Jalandhar, Pathankot, Patiala, and Ropar revealed multiple deficiencies. Key findings included the absence of radio frequency identification (RFI) readers to track vehicle movement and identify drivers, lack of face-recognition cameras for identity verification, and absence of video guidance for applicants. Additionally, damaged tracks, faded surface markings, poor maintenance, and insufficient monitoring by motor vehicles inspectors were noted at certain locations, raising serious safety concerns.
Another critical gap identified was the absence of any authorized institute in Punjab to provide training for applicants seeking licences to drive goods carriage vehicles transporting dangerous or hazardous goods. This lack of specialized training poses significant risks to public safety and environmental health.
Revenue Losses and Financial Irregularities
On the revenue front, the audit uncovered substantial financial irregularities. Motor vehicle tax amounting to Rs 55.99 crore was not realized from 221 vehicles or operators in selected RTOs and the STA, with only Rs 109.8 crore collected against a due amount of Rs 165.79 crore. In a separate case, the Pepsu Roadways Transport Corporation paid Rs 89.07 crore in motor vehicle tax for stage carriage buses to the RTO at Patiala with delays ranging from 7 to 1,013 days. However, interest amounting to Rs 16.63 crore on these delayed payments was not realized, further exacerbating revenue losses.
The audit also noted instances of short levy of fees on registration marks of choice and cases where pollution under control (PUC) certificates were issued for six months instead of the prescribed 12 months for Bharat-IV and Bharat-VI vehicles, indicating non-compliance with environmental regulations.
Recommendations for Improvement
In response to these findings, the CAG has recommended several corrective measures. The transport department should introduce robust validation checks in the VAHAN system to ensure strict compliance with motor vehicle rules. It must also complete the processing of registrations and licences within prescribed timelines, ensure mandatory training certification for drivers transporting hazardous goods, and strengthen infrastructure and technology at automated driving test tracks to promote efficient and transparent testing procedures.
These recommendations aim to address the systemic issues identified, enhance regulatory oversight, and improve the overall functioning of Punjab's transport ecosystem.
