A significant number of individuals, having successfully passed their driving examinations and applied for driving licences, are currently contending with substantial delays in the issuance of their licences, thereby fuelling frustration and a pervasive sense of uncertainty. Multiple Regional Transport Office (RTO) establishments find themselves entangled in a comparable predicament, attributable to an acute shortage of printing paper. This protracted delay has given rise to inconvenience, with applicants encountering scenarios where law enforcement officials rejects online documents, leading to unwarranted and substantial fines despite their innocence. The printing paper for licences is long-standing issue in Kashmir as well as Jammu Division, with the pendency running into thousands now. The protracted scarcity of printing paper for licences, persisting for such a long period, raises legitimate concerns and presents a challenging situation that is arduous to justify. The prolonged delay has not only inconvenienced but has also fostered frustration among individuals who have successfully navigated the complexities of driving tests and dutifully fulfilled financial obligations for their licenses. RTOs acknowledge the issue, attributing it to complications in the tendering process at MVD, but the extended duration of the shortage prompts scrutiny of the efficacy of the procurement and inventory management processes.
The Transport Department must expeditiously undertake necessary measures to resolve this protracted issue, considering alternatives such as exploring alternative suppliers or implementing interim solutions to ensure the timely printing and delivery of licenses to deserving applicants. If the shortage of printing paper for licences results from a dearth of funds, authorities must promptly investigate and address this issue. Adequate funding is indispensable for the seamless functioning of Government Departments, necessitating a prioritised allocation of resources to procure essential materials, including printing paper for licenses. Transparent communication with affected individuals, regular updates on the progress of resolving the shortage, and the implementation of measures to prevent such delays in the future are essential components for reinstating confidence and ensuring efficient service delivery by the RTOs.