Chandigarh, June 16
In a significant decision, the Punjab Government has delegated the authority for registration and renewal of Registration Certificates (RC) and Driving Licenses (DL) to regional authorities. This move aims to address the long-standing backlog of RC and DL registrations and renewals, providing substantial relief to the public.
Punjab Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar shared that citizens can now benefit from this relief by following a prescribed procedure. Applicants can renew their old vehicles and driving licenses online and update related documents. He noted that a major hurdle had been the lack of approvals for old RC and DL documents and their non-availability online.
The Minister informed that written instructions have been issued to all Registering Authorities and Licensing Authorities in Punjab to clear the backlog. Documents not meeting the conditions of the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways will be addressed as per the terms outlined in a letter issued by the State Transport Commissioner’s office on May 24, 2024.
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Bhullar explained that a notarized affidavit from an Executive Magistrate will be required for RC and DL backlog cases, detailing the backlog process, validity, category, issuing authority, tax payment status, and confirmation of no pending dues, along with verifying the accuracy of all information.
For RC backlog cases, the vehicle’s registration number, along with a physical inspection report by a Motor Vehicle Inspector verifying the chassis and engine numbers, must be uploaded online. Instructions have also been given to upload vehicle transfer records of different owners to maintain a record of previous owners.
Regarding DL backlog, Bhullar stated that applications can be submitted through the original issuing authority. The dealing staff will upload a verified copy of the license (both previously and subsequently issued) into the Sarathi software, after which the Licensing Authority will approve it. Uploading the original license copy along with proof of date of birth and address has been made mandatory.
To ensure transparency, a permanent department employee will record the backlog entry for DL/RC in the office, verify it on the transport portal, and then the relevant authority will approve it. The responsibility for any incorrect entry will lie with the respective Registering and Licensing Authority. These authorities are required to submit daily reports on RC and DL backlog approvals to the head office in a prescribed format.
This decision is expected to streamline the process, offering significant relief to citizens by enabling easier access to RC and DL services.
