Strict restrictions for MVD officials;  driving test slots increased

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Transport Commissioner has issued a new circular introducing strict guidelines for officials of the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD), with a strong emphasis on professionalism and transparency in the discharge of official duties. The circular directs officials to maintain professional conduct at all times and to behave courteously in both their words and actions.

Officials must also record the exact amount of cash they carry while reporting for duty. The circular directs that middlemen be completely barred to prevent unnecessary interference in departmental activities. Driving school owners will no longer be allowed to enter driving test grounds. The circular revises some of the decisions taken during the tenure of former Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar following widespread complaints over delays in conducting driving licence tests.

The number of driving tests to be conducted each day has been increased from 40 to 50. Driving tests will be held five days a week for the next three months. A Deputy Transport Commissioner has also been assigned to monitor the implementation of these measures.