In a landmark step towards transparent and accountable governance, Punjab on Wednesday became the first state in the country to launch faceless Regional Transport Office (RTO) services. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann symbolically locked the Ludhiana RTO office to mark the beginning of this digital revolution—signifying an end to corruption and middlemen in transport-related services.
The AAP Chief announced that citizens can now obtain driving licences, fitness certificates, registration certificates, and permits simply by calling 1076 from the comfort of their homes. Calling it the dawn of a new era in governance, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the move represents the government’s resolve to shut down corrupt systems and deliver services directly to the people.
On this occasion, AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal said that ever since Independence, the people of the state had been enslaved by bureaucracy and its corrupt practices. “Today, Punjab has finally been liberated from this slavery. From now on, citizens can simply call 1076 to get their driving licence, registration certificate, and other documents delivered to them. Today, people are being freed from corruption, inconvenience, and middlemen. This initiative is not only unique in India but also the first of its kind in the world,” said Arvind Kejriwal.
Calling it a historic day for Punjab, the AAP Chief said that for the first time, faceless RTO services are being launched in the state. “This initiative can truly be called a digital revolution in the transport department, as citizens will now receive government services at their doorstep. A total of 56 services related to driving licences and vehicle registration certificates have now been made completely faceless,” said Arvind Kejriwal.
He further added that these services can be availed by calling the helpline number 1076 and accessing them through service centres. “Earlier, citizens had to visit cyber cafés or apply online for driving licences or vehicle registration certificates. After submitting the applications, they were forced to make multiple trips to RTO offices for document verification and other formalities. This caused immense hardship, especially for people living in remote areas, senior citizens, and differently-abled persons,” said Arvind Kejriwal.
Highlighting the convenience and efficiency of the new system, the AAP Supremo said, “This move will save citizens’ time, energy, and financial burden. Now, people will no longer need to run around RTO offices, as these services will be provided through well-trained staff at service centres across Punjab. All these services can be easily accessed from home by calling the helpline number 1076.”
Arvind Kejriwal said that with this reform, the Punjab Government has not only transformed public service delivery but also struck at the root of corruption and red-tapism, setting a benchmark for governance across the country.
Meanwhile, Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that people faced a lot of inconvenience in the RTO offices and this day marks the end of this thereby immensely benefitting the common man. “With this initiative lock has been imposed on inconvenience and corruption caused to the common man. This is in consonance with the zero tolerance policy against corruption of the state government. Earlier the people have been immensely benefited by the Revenue reforms which has empowered the people in a big way,” he added.
The Punjab CM categorically said that none of the employees will be shunted out and their services will be duly utilized by the state government in other departments as per their eligibility. “Contrary to the past when ribbons were cut to harass the people, now the state government is locking the offices to facilitate them in a big way. The state government has so far closed 19 toll plazas in Punjab to ensure that the unnecessary plundering of people is checked,” he added.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann noted, “Punjab has today become the first state in the country to close the RTO offices by providing facilities to people in a smooth and hassle free manner. I urge all of you to take the benefits of this major pro-people initiative of the state government. In the coming days more such digital and people-friendly decisions will be taken. During the financial year 2024–25, the Transport Department processed a total of 29,23,390 applications, of which 19,63,209 were related to vehicle registration certificates and 9,60,181 were linked to driving license services,” he pointed out.
The Punjab CM said that to efficiently handle such a large volume of applications, a new citizen-friendly model was necessary adding that to ensure the smooth implementation of the new system, help desks have been set up at RTO offices for the first 15 days. “These desks will guide citizens about required documents and procedures under the new model adding that with the introduction of this system, RTO offices can now focus more effectively on their core responsibilities and the overall improvement of departmental operations. The Punjab government is committed to take every step to facilitate the people by providing smooth, hassle free and transparent governance,” he asserted.
On the occasion senior AAP leader and Punjab Prabhari Manish Sisodia, Cabinet Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar, and other local leaders were also present.
