Nandurbar, January 10: Citizens visiting the Nandurbar Regional Transport Office (RTO) are increasingly frustrated as their issues remain unresolved despite multiple visits. The Maharashtra government’s promise of faceless services through Aadhaar-based digital processes appears to be falling short in the district, leaving applicants to navigate cumbersome in-person procedures.
The government had notified over 78 services, including vehicle permits, license renewals, and ownership transfers, to be provided through the faceless system. However, none of these services are effectively accessible online in Nandurbar. Residents are compelled to visit the RTO in person, often finding empty chairs in front of them as officials remain unavailable.
The office’s staffing shortage compounds the problem. Against a sanctioned strength of 40 vehicle inspectors and assistants, only 27 are currently employed, with several occupied with field inspections, leaving fewer officials to manage office operations.
Many citizens complain of delays for simple tasks like address changes, duplicate licenses, or permit renewals. While the faceless system requires applicants to submit documents online and verify through Aadhaar-based OTPs, the process often stalls without required approvals.
“Faceless organizations should have diminished the bother, but we still have to visit the RTO diverse times. The inefficiency is baffling,” said an occupant.
RTO officials acknowledge the issue, attributing delays to vacant positions and a backlog of applications. “We have instructed staff to prioritize citizens’ pending work. The faceless services will soon be streamlined,” assured Jayashree Duthonde, Sub-Regional Transport Officer, Nandurbar.
For now, residents continue to grapple with long waits and incomplete services, hoping for promised improvements to materialize soon.