CM Mann Locks RTO Office in Presence of Arvind Kejriwal — Punjab Becomes First State to Offer Faceless RTO Services
The Voice of Chandigarh
In a landmark step towards transparent and citizen-centric governance, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and Aam Aadmi Party National Convener Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday launched India’s first faceless RTO services, marking a new era of digital empowerment and corruption-free public service.
As a symbolic gesture to end the era of corruption and middlemen, Chief Minister Mann locked the RTO office in Ludhiana, declaring that citizens will now receive all transport-related services at their doorsteps by dialling 1076.
“This lock represents the end of harassment and inconvenience faced by people in RTO offices,” said CM Mann. “Contrary to the past when ribbons were cut to trouble people, we are now locking offices to ensure convenience for citizens.”
A Digital Revolution for the Common Man
Speaking at the event, Arvind Kejriwal hailed the initiative as a “digital revolution” that empowers the common man. “For decades after independence, people became slaves to bureaucratic corruption. Today, they have got freedom,” he said. “Now, with a single call to 1076, citizens can get their driving license, registration certificate, and 56 other major transport services without visiting any office.”
He added that Punjab’s faceless RTO model is not only a first for India but also a unique global example of technology-led governance reform.
End of Corruption, Beginning of Convenience
The new system allows citizens to access RTO services through Seva Kendras or from their homes via the helpline. Kejriwal noted that earlier, people had to visit cyber cafés and make repeated trips to RTO offices for document verification, wasting time, money, and energy. The new model will especially benefit senior citizens, people with disabilities, and those living in remote areas.
No Job Losses, Only Reforms
Reassuring government staff, CM Mann clarified that no employee would lose their job. “Their services will be utilized in other departments according to eligibility,” he said. The CM also cited earlier reforms, such as the closure of 19 toll plazas across Punjab, as part of the government’s broader effort to reduce exploitation and ensure people-friendly governance.
During FY 2024–25, Punjab’s Transport Department processed over 29.23 lakh applications, including 19.63 lakh vehicle registrations and 9.6 lakh driving license services. To support the transition, help desks will operate at RTO offices for 15 days to assist citizens with the new procedures.
A Milestone in Governance
Calling the initiative a “citizen empowerment milestone,” Mann said Punjab has become the first state in India to eliminate physical RTO visits. “We are committed to providing smooth, hassle-free, and transparent governance to every citizen,” he affirmed.
The launch event was attended by Cabinet Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar, Senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia, and other dignitaries.
