Staff shortage cripples RTOs across the State

According to sources in the Transport department, out of the 3,065 sanctioned posts in the department, about 1,200 posts in various categories remain vacant, leading to delay in various services. Over 100 posts remain vacant in the motor vehicles inspector grade-II, superintendent, junior assistant, office assistant and typist.

There are 12 zonal offices, 87 regional transport offices (RTOs) and 58 unit offices providing services, including vehicle registration, issuance and renewal of driving licences, conductor’s licence and permits issued to transport vehicles. In addition, inspections of school vehicles, omni buses and high-fare autos are conducted by the department.

“Before COVID, we registered more than 5,000 new vehicles, issued 4,500 leaners licence and 5,400 driving licence, including renewal, on a normal working day. But since the pandemic, registration of new vehicles and issuance of driving licences have come down by more than 50 per cent. Despite that, the services are getting delayed due to staff shortage,” sources added.

“Transport offices across the State face a staff shortage of over 35 per cent,” said K Balpandian, legal adviser of Tamil Nadu Transport Department Employees Union.

“In particular, the post of Superintendent which should be filled by promotion has been pending for five years. There are about 150 such vacancies, due to which the work at RTOs is progressing sluggishly,” he added