Date:20/02/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/02/20/stories/2008022054780300.htm

Karnataka

A novel drive by Davangere RTO

Staff Correspondent

Farmers get learner’s licence at their doorstep

Officials will deal exclusively with farmers between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. on Mondays
Motor vehicle inspectors asked to visit at least two villages every week

DAVANGERE: The Davangere Regional Transport Office has adopted a unique system of issuing learner’s licences (LLR) to farmers at their doorstep.

Over 5,000 farmers from 160 villages of the district have been given LLRs in the past 20 months.

Regional Transport Officer (RTO) H.J. Thembad, upon a complaint by a farmer, took the initiative to introduce the system. The farmer had complained to the RTO some time ago that he had spent Rs. 300 of his hard-earned money to commute between his village and Davangere to get an LLR. He told the RTO that he had kept the money to buy seeds, but had used a part of it to obtain a driver’s licence to avoid harassment by officials.

Mr. Thembad has instructed his motor vehicle inspectors to visit at least two villages every week and issue LLRs to applicants. He has also instructed the inspectors to educate village residents about traffic rules and regulations before asking them to take a driving test.

Special camps

People in villages were given LLRs for motorcycles and tractors in special camps conducted recently. Those given the licence were directed to come to the RTO after one month to receive their permanent driving licence.

Apart from this, the RTO has also directed officials to deal with farmers exclusively between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. on all Mondays.

The RTO had earlier organised licence issuing camps at Sarathi, Ukkadagatri, Chigateri, Savalanga, Santebennur, Basavapatna, Hanagawadi, Maduranayakanahalli, Nandibevur and Nalkunda.

Mr. Thembad said such camps were the first of their kind in the State.