‘All officials who colluded with driving schools are keenly watched,’ says Ganesh Kumar

KOLLAM: Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar said that strict action will be taken against the officials who instigated the driving schools to protest on the revised format of driving tests. He also said that there should be a good licensing system in Kerala. Ganesh Kumar added that the details of the officers are in the list and they will be caught in some other issue.

‘Only who know how to drive well a vehicle be seen on roads. The public is with my stand. All officers who incited driving schools to strike will be dealt with. There is a list of officials and the numbers have been noted. They will be caught in other issues.

In the end, the school owners who protested against the driving test, reached to the point that what the minister said was right. A consensus was reached after discussing with them. The squad will examine those who pass more than one driving license simultaneously. It is not true that 10 lakh licenses are pending. Only 2,26,000 licenses are to be issued.

A license cannot be given like a ration card. There are officers who tested 126 license and fitness on a day, in the Motor Vehicle Department. This is an embarrassment to the department. Apart from training, the schools are charging more to make them drive well. This cannot be accepted. The officials who issue licenses to those who cannot drive properly, will be punished. Above all, my eyes will be there like a camera. Don't just get caught and accept action,’ said Ganesh Kumar.

The strike staged by driving school protest committee called off the strike against the revised driving test reforms. The committee decided to call off the strike after Ganesh Kumar and the motor vehicle department agreed for a reform. The decision was taken in a discussion held with the minister and senior officials of the transport department.

‘Ganesh Kumar told media that it has been decided to raise the validity of test vehicles from 15 years to 18 years. Driving reform circular will not be withdrawn. However, necessary changes will be made in the circular. Vehicles with two clutches and brake can be used for the test. These concessions will be in place until another system is put in place. The objective is to ensure quality licensing. The department of motor vehicles will install cameras in the test vehicles.

A change has been brought in the number of daily tests. A place with only one MVI will conduct 40 tests per day and the place with two MVIs will conduct 80 tests per day. A decision has been taken to coordinate the driving school training fees. A new commission will be appointed to study this. As earlier, the H test will be conducted first and then the road test. KSRTC will start driving schools,' the minister said.