Goemkarponn desk
PONDA: The Ponda locals have opposed GEL service at Ponda RTO, working in the name of Citizens Service Centre for the past four years, which the locals feel is an additional burden of fees on them.
Locals also urged CM and transport minister to stop this injustice and rampant loot.
The motorist’s claim is they are charged Rs 100 extra for every service provided by RTO with charging fees determined by Indian Motorvehicle Act.
Though receipts are given by GEL employees, the locals question why people need these GEL employees when already RTO employees are charging official fees for services to the public?
For example, if one wants to renew his driving licence, then he will have to pay a fee of Rs 480 as per Indian Motorvehicle Act beside, they are also required to pay a fee of Rs 100 to an Employee of GEL who first handles this documents.
Similarly, for various vehicle-related services of RTO such as transfer of a vehicle, change in address, change of name, correction in date of birth etc., these additional fees of Rs 100 are charged by GEL besides the official fees charged by the RTO office employees.
Since the RTO employees are lethargic, people are forced to hand over their documents to GEL staff.
There are around five GEL employees at Ponda RTO, while RTO employees around 16.
Locals social activist Viraj Sapre questioned why GEL employees need it, which is an extra burden on the government treasury. Even GEL staff learnt to get fifty per cent of the salary sanctioned.
Further, there is a complaint that some employees of GEL remain busy on mobile, causing hardship to locals.
When contacted the officials at RTO, refused to comment on the issue.
It is learnt that this service was started five years ago and is a burden on people who are paying an extra Rs 100 for every service.
