Suhail Rather
Bandipora, June 24: Serious concerns have been raised against the ARTO office in Bandipora after candidates from other districts alleged that they were not allowed to appear for driving trial tests despite having booked valid online slots and completing all required formalities.
According to Danish, a resident of Kupwara, he had completed the necessary documentation and booked a trial test slot at Bandipora through the online system. However, when he reached the trial ground on the scheduled date, he was allegedly denied permission to take the test solely because he belonged to another district.
“I have been working in Bandipora as a private driver for more than two years. I completed all the required formalities and obtained a valid slot through the online system. But when I arrived for the trial test, I was not allowed to appear,” Danish told reporters.
He further alleged that the officials concerned behaved rudely and, instead of facilitating the process, asked him to seek clarification from the district SSP regarding his temporary residence in Bandipora.
“If candidates from other districts are not allowed to take tests here, then what is the purpose of the online slot booking system?” he questioned.
Several applicants have reportedly expressed similar grievances, claiming that Bandipora is the only district where such restrictions are being imposed despite no such provision being mentioned in the existing system. The complainants maintain that eligible applicants should be allowed to appear for driving tests at any designated centre after fulfilling the prescribed requirements.
The issue has also sparked concerns over the alleged behaviour of officials towards members of the public. Multiple individuals have reported that applicants are often met with an uncooperative attitude when seeking clarification about licensing procedures.
When contacted, the Regional Transport Officer (RTO), Kashmir, acknowledged the matter and said that he would look into the issue.
“I will examine the matter and speak to the concerned ARTO regarding the allegations,” the RTO Kashmir said.
The development has triggered demands for a thorough inquiry into the alleged denial of services and for uniform implementation of rules across all districts to ensure that applicants are not subjected to unnecessary inconvenience. (KNS)
