Telangana Transport Department Enforces Digital Integration for Driving Schools
The Telangana transport department has issued a sweeping directive requiring all driving schools across the state to integrate with the Sarathi software platform. This move makes digital enrolment and certification processes compulsory, marking a significant shift towards a fully digital operational framework.
Official Directive Aims for Streamlined Operations
Transport Commissioner K Ilambarithi issued the official memorandum on Friday, outlining the mandate. The primary objectives are to streamline operations, enhance transparency, and standardise the issuance of Form 5 for heavy driving licences. The government has approved the implementation of the National Informatics Centre's Sarathi and Vahan software across the entire transport department.
While Sarathi has already been successfully deployed statewide, the department is now extending its reach to include all driving schools. This includes institutions offering training for Light Motor Vehicles (LMV) and Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMV), bringing them under a unified digital umbrella.
Mandatory Digital Issuance of Form-5 Certificates
A critical component of the new regulation is the mandatory digital issuance of Form-5 certificates. These certificates are essential for obtaining heavy vehicle driving licences and must now be processed exclusively through the Sarathi software. The rule will come into full effect on March 15, after which manual issuance of Form-5 will not be permitted under any circumstances.
Comprehensive Implementation Guidelines
The order provides detailed instructions for joint transport commissioners, district transport officers, and regional transport officers. They are tasked with ensuring that all driving schools within their jurisdictions are registered on the Sarathi portal. Authorities must also issue login credentials to each driving school to facilitate effective use of the system.
Special emphasis is placed on heavy driving schools. The memorandum stipulates that enrolment of trainees must be conducted exclusively through the Sarathi platform. Additionally, schools are required to maintain daily digital attendance records of trainees on the software without exception.
Elimination of Manual Processes
To further digitise operations, officials have been instructed to process the renewal of driving school authorisations only through the online system. This measure aims to eliminate the possibility of manual renewals, thereby reducing bureaucratic delays and potential irregularities.
The department has issued a stern warning that any deviation from these new instructions will be treated seriously, underscoring the importance of compliance with the digital mandate.
Background and Broader Implications
This directive represents a major step in Telangana's ongoing efforts to modernise its transport infrastructure and improve governance through technology. By integrating driving schools into the Sarathi platform, the state aims to create a more efficient, transparent, and standardised system for driver training and certification.
The move is expected to benefit both authorities and citizens by reducing paperwork, minimising errors, and accelerating the licensing process. It also aligns with broader national initiatives to digitise government services and enhance public service delivery.
