Arrested Brokers To Identify Corrupt Transport Staff: Minister

Bhubaneswar: The brokers arrested from Regional Transport Office (RTOs) premises in Odisha will be told to identify corrupt transport staff, Commerce and Transport Minister Padmanabha Behera said.

“These brokers are ruling the roost in RTOs and collecting hefty sums from the people to provide them with the driving licenses and other vehicle related documents in connivance with some staff. Now, it has been decided that these arrested brokers will be interrogated to reveal the names of corrupt transport staff. The department will take appropriate action against those named by the brokers,” the minister said.

Behera also said the government has decided to transfer some RTO staff for being involved in corruption. The transfers will begin from October, he added.

On the checking of vehicles, Behera said there is a three-month relaxation in the checking of driving license and pollution under control (PUC) certificates till December 31. However, there will be no relaxation in cases of drunken driving. “As part of the road safety measures, drunken drivers will be strictly dealt with,” he said.

Asked if the state government will reduce the fine amount, the minister said the government is reviewing the collection of traffic fines in other states. After the review, a decision will be taken in consultation with the Chief Minister.