Allegations of agents blocking numbers in advance; demand for a high-level probe and strict action
Amritsar, August 6 (K.L. Jit Walia): A controversy has emerged over the allocation of fancy vehicle registration numbers at the Regional Transport Office (RTO) in Amritsar. Several vehicle buyers have raised questions over transparency, alleging that while special VIP numbers are allotted through an online auction system, there may be a lack of transparency in the allocation of certain fancy numbers.
According to the complainants, some agents are allegedly taking advantage of the system by getting numbers of public choice blocked or held in advance. They allege that multiple numbers may be held against a single Aadhaar card, not necessarily for purchasing a vehicle, but allegedly to make the numbers available later for additional money.
Vehicle buyers claim that when an ordinary applicant applies for a preferred number, they are sometimes informed that the number has already been reserved or is unavailable. The complainants further allege that the same number may subsequently be offered for an additional amount. However, these allegations have not been independently verified.
The vehicle owners said that if there is any official provision for reserving fancy numbers in advance, complete information regarding the rules, eligibility, time limits and applicable fees should be clearly displayed on the government portal.
The complainants demanded that, similar to the online e-auction system used for VIP numbers, the entire process of fancy-number allocation should also be made online and transparent, with equal rules for everyone. They said that real-time public information regarding the availability and allocation status of every number could help prevent such disputes.
The vehicle buyers have urged the Punjab Government and the Transport Department to conduct a high-level and impartial inquiry into the matter. They said that if any irregularity, arbitrariness or violation of rules is found during the investigation, strict legal action should be taken against those responsible.
Meanwhile, during a meeting with the PSHRC, the RTO clarified that the allocation of special (VIP) numbers is carried out completely through an online auction system. The RTO further stated that if concrete evidence regarding any irregularity or malpractice is provided, the matter will be investigated impartially according to the rules and appropriate legal action will be taken.
KL JIT WALIA
