THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: From now onwards, one cannot become a Joint RTO without learning about vehicles and driving. The government has made technical knowledge mandatory for departmental promotions.

The new amendment is not applicable for existing Joint RTOs, and senior Superintendents in the Feeder Section who are likely to be promoted. Others will have to get extra qualifications.

The authorities are abandoning the practice of promoting employees of the office section of the Department of Motor Vehicles as Joint Directors through the new move. On September 16, 2020, Kerala Kaumudi reported on the problems caused in the department by the inconsistencies in promotions. Subsequently, the Departmental Promotion Committee and the Administrative Reforms Commission recommended that those in the ministerial category should not be appointed as Joint RTOs without technical qualifications. The panel of the Supreme Court, which was set up to reduce road accidents, had also defined technical qualifications as mandatory. Subsequently, the government decided to amend the Special Rule.

It was also found that the presence of technically unskilled Joint RTOs was affecting road safety measures. There was a need to rely on other officers for vehicle inspections, investigations on vehicle accidents etc.

The government is considering creating special posts for ministerial employees so that they do not miss out on promotions.