New Delhi: The Delhi government Wednesday moved most of its transport-related utilities online and became the country’s only city to offer ‘faceless’ services to citizens.
With this online initiative, the Aam Aadmi Party-led government encourages people to save time, money and energy in visiting motor licencing officers. Aspirant drivers can now get an e-learner’s licence by simply appearing for an online test.
A statement issued by the AAP government Wednesday said 33 ‘faceless’ services have been launched.
परिवहन विभाग के इस दफ़्तर पर ताला लगाकर इसकी फ़ेसलेस सेवाओं की शुरुआत की। अब आपको RTO दफ्तरों में जाकर वहां लाइनों में लगने की ज़रुरत नहीं है।
लर्निंग लाइसेंस से लेकर गाड़ी के रजिस्ट्रेशन सर्टिफ़िकेट बनवाने जैसे परिवहन विभाग के सभी काम अब आप घर बैठे ऑनलाइन करवा पाएंगे। pic.twitter.com/vM0rReGB1p
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) August 11, 2021
A day before the formal launch, trial runs were held from select transport offices after Delhi’s transport minister Kailash Gahlota held a meeting with all stakeholders.
Faceless Services की तैयारियों का जायज़ा लेने के लिए आज वीडियो कॉन्फ्रेंसिंग द्वारा सभी MLOs के साथ बैठक की। ये सभी Faceless Services 11.08.2021 को माननीय मुख्यमंत्री श्री @ArvindKejriwal जी द्वारा जनता को समर्पित की जाएगी। pic.twitter.com/FrAMMm4F7h
— Kailash Gahlot (@kgahlot) August 9, 2021
Trials of online learning tests have also begun at the Sarai Kale Khan and Vasant Vihar outlets, officials in the transport minister’s office confirmed to ThePrint.
Congrats Adi !
You are one of country's first, to pass this Facial recognition enabled E-LL test. Delhiites get true freedom from long queues. With all services available at their homes, Delhi under able leadership of @ArvindKejriwal has set yet another example for the country. https://t.co/XJu06rpKw4
— Kailash Gahlot (@kgahlot) August 9, 2021
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What changes on the ground?
For starters, at least 15 different services will be included in this initiative, among which are issuing driving licences, international driving permits and transferring ownership of vehicles.
In 2019, nearly 1 million transactions were those pertaining to driving licences while another 1.3 million related to registration certificates (RC), according to data obtained from the state transport department, Hindustan Times reported.
The department announced Tuesday that four zonal offices — IP Estate, Sarai Kale Khan, Janakpuri and Vasant Vihar — will be closed. Their Vahan and Sarathi related work would be looked after by motor licensing offices (MLOs) of South zone, Raja Garden and Dwarka, respectively.
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Who to contact for applications?
To further facilitate the initiative, zonal deputy commissioners (DCs) have been deputed at Surajmal Vihar, South Zone and Dwarka. Those whose applications are pending despite registration can approach these zonal DCs for coordination.
According to the standard operating procedure shared with the media, the zonal DCs will ensure that all driving licence and RC-related applications are ideally processed within seven days of the application.
Applications will be processed in two stages, according to the order copy accessed by ThePrint.
In the first stage, all ‘faceless’ applications will first be examined or verified by the dealing assistant and post that, in the second stage, they will come up for approval.
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What are the prerequisites to avail services?
To begin with, an e-learning licence can be obtained by taking an online test using Aadhaar. The e-learner’s licence is then generated through the link provided by National Informatics Centre (NIC), according to the standard operating procedure for ‘faceless’ services.
However, applicants not using Aadhaar will have to apply online and seek an appointment for the learner’s test.
The service will be available through Aadhaar-based authentication of documents and Aadhaar-based e-sign. The driving licence, registration certificate and permit will be dispatched by speed post and available for digital download through an SMS-based link on the registered mobile number of the applicant.
The applicant can also download the documents from Digi-locker or mParivahan websites. A step-by-step guide is also on the Delhi government website.
In case of foreign nationals or applicants residing temporarily in Delhi, they will have to follow the same procedure for applicants who do not have Aadhaar.
Who to approach with complaints?
The transport department has made arrangements for grievance redressal through three modes: Helpline 1076, WhatsApp chatbot and online complaint on the portal.
The MLOs will look into the complaints on priority and each will be resolved within three days.
In case more documents are needed, the applicant will be informed through system-based SMS. In case of public hearings, zonal DCs will remain available in their designated offices on working days from 10 am to 1 pm.
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