Explainer: What is the driving licence scam all about

The Punjab government’s decision to suspend the Chief Director of the Vigilance Bureau, SPS Parmar, SSP (Jalandhar Range) Harpreet Singh and AIG (Flying Squad-1) Swarndeep Singh for failing to take timely action against the accused has brought the spotlight back on the illegal driving licence scam.

An official statement said, “Despite the availability of evidence in the driving licence scam, no immediate action was taken against the (accused) officers. SPS Parmar, who headed the Vigilance Bureau, was issued a show-cause notice for this delay. However, even after the notice, no meaningful action followed. The continued inaction raised serious concerns within the government. It is also suspected that information may have been leaked from within the Vigilance Bureau, allowing the accused to flee.”

The crackdown

Earlier this month, the Vigilance Bureau conducted statewide raids at several Regional Transport Officer (RTO) offices and driving test centres. It was found that many licences were being issued without proper driving tests, through agents who were taking bribes from applicants. A total of 16 FIRs were registered, and 24 persons arrested, including private agents and some government employees.

Norms bypassed

Investigations revealed that agents bypassed he automated driving test system in multiple ways. Punjab has 32 automated tracks where driving tests are recorded on video and scored digitally. The agents, in collusion with RTO officials, were copy-pasting old video footage of candidates who had passed the driving test, and uploading it under the names of new applicants who never actually took the test.

In many cases, the same vehicle was used multiple times, raising suspicion. Proxy drivers were also made to take tests on behalf of others, using vehicles arranged by agents.

The Vigilance Bureau has been facing the heat for failing to expedite the investigation against higher-level officers or making timely arrests despite having access to evidence.

Initial action

During the investigation, the names of senior transport officers also cropped up. While one officer, Ramandeep Singh Dhillon, was arrested, two others — Pardeep Singh Dhillon, RTO-Mohali, and Ravinder Kumar Bansal, RTO-SBS Nagar — are currently on the run.

Rumblings within VB

Punjab has seen three new Vigilance Bureau Chiefs within two months. On February 17, Varinder Kumar was replaced by G Nageshwar Rao as the Vigilance Bureau Chief. On March 26, Rao was replaced by SPS Parmar, who was suspended on April 25. PK Sinha has now been given additional charge as the Vigilance Bureau Chief.

The frequent changes have raised concerns over the working of the department.

Punjab