RTO C. Mallikarjun meets the press

RTO C. Mallikarjun meets the press

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, May 30, 2012 : The Mangalore Press and the DK Working Journalists’ Union jointly organized a program called Meet the Press with RTO C. Mallikarjun at Press Club on May 30, Wednesday.

RTO C. Mallikarjun said that, although the RTO aimed to collect Rs. 101 crore in taxes in 2011 – 12, it collected Rs. 112 crore, which is double the tax amount collected in the year 2006 – 07.

Stating that several vehicles registered in Gujarath, Kerala, and Pondicherry are being used in Mangalore, he said that it is very difficult to trace Pondicherry-registered vehicles. The RTO has so far traced 27 such vehicles, but could collect taxes only from 11 vehicles because the others used influence to evade taxes. He urged the public to pay taxes on time for the development of their state and not help other states develop by cheating the state of Karnataka.

He also said that taxes worth Rs. 1.55 crore have been collected from 25 vehicle owners and Rs. 30 lakh was collected from owners of vehicles registered in other states. According to Section 47, a vehicle registered in another state, but run in Karnataka, will get registration only after being used in Karnataka for one year.

Regarding the dangers of high beam headlights, he said that the police department and the RTO plan to organize an awareness drive on this issue. Stating that the RTO has been trying to educate the public about the use of tinted glasses in vehicles, he said that vehicles must have transparent glasses and this rule will be strictly implemented from June.

Stating that the RTO lacks adequate staff members and parking facility, he said that the authorities have been informed to recruit more staff members in the near future. The RTO building will be renovated and transformed into a modern structure with air conditioning and other facilities. He said that the RTO could not issue smart cards fast enough to meet the demands, adding that this is because of shortage of staff and facilities. He further said that all driving licenses will be converted into smart cards by August.

Mr. Mallikarjun also said that the RTO has identified land for an automated driving track near Mudipu, adding that the state government has reserved Rs. 4 crore for this purpose. A fitness certificate centre will also be set up, he added.

The RTO sorts out 150 driving licenses, 100 LLRs, 200 new vehicle registrations, and a total of 1500 applications daily.

P. B. Harish Rai, president of DKWJU, welcomed and introduced Mr. Mallikarjun to the audience. Secretary Shrinivas Indaje proposed the vote of thanks.