Subadh Kumar Nayak

Bhubaneswar: After ordering a crackdown on middlemen (dalals) fleecing vulnerable patients in hospitals across the State, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has now asked the Regional Transport Officers (RTOs) to curb interference of middlemen in issuance of driving licences and other vehicle-related documents at the transport offices.

Chairing a meeting of the district Collectors, SPs and RTOs through video conferencing on Wednesday over the implementation of the Motor Vehicles Act, 2019 in the State, Patnaik asked the concerned officials to make the transport offices across the state middlemen-free within 15 days.

This apart, the CM also directed to open more counters and camps in rural areas where people can get their vehicle-related documents.

“During his meeting yesterday, the Chief Minister emphasised on how the driving licences and vehicle-related documents can easily be made available to the people,” informed Commerce and Transport Minister Padmanav Behera.

“The three-month relaxation regarding enforcement of guidelines under the amended Motor Vehicles Act still remains same,” he added.

Earlier on September 9, the CM had relaxed the enforcement of new traffic rules for three months following outrage by people across the State over hefty fines.

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