NEW DELHI: During a surprise inspection at the regional transport office (RTO) in Bururi, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday warned of strict action against officers involved in corruption with help from touts.
Kejriwal also stated that from August 1, all the work at the Burari RTO would be decentralised and that the Delhi government would try to open 5,000 vehicle fitness centres across Delhi.
Presently, all the fitness certification of three wheelers are done at Burari Transport Authority.
As Kejriwal and Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot landed at the Burari RTO, one of the biggest in Delhi, scores of agitated drivers of auto-rickshaws and commercial vehicles virtually mobbed the two, complaining that nothing happens without the touts' involvement.
"All the auto drivers and commercial vehicle drivers have complained that it is only when they come through a tout that their work is done quickly. Otherwise, the work remains pending for months. We will take strict action against all the officers found indulging in corrupt practices," Kejriwal told reporters later.
He also directed the Transport Secretary to immediately take steps to decentralise the fitness certification system.
The Chief Minister also asked officials to move a proposal at the earliest to make fitness certification available all over the Capital and look at possibilities of outsourcing fitness certification.
He said that the centralisation of certification is a major reason for corruption and it must be decentralised to weed out corruption.
"Earlier, people had to stand in long queues to get a fitness certificate. This also led to rampant corruption. Now, we will decentralize and open 5,000 more centres in Delhi," the CM said.
He also directed the Transport Secretary to make weekly inspection of authorities all over the city, during which at least 50 people will be interacted with, and get the whole process video recorded.
The Secretary was also directed to submit a full report of the inspection after it is done to the Minister concerned.
Kejriwal instructed officers to make a list of all the complaints and the action taken for the last 10 days and submit a report to him by 11 am on Wednesday.