Strict monitoring ordered for delayed applications; accountability to be fixed for pendency in Transport Department: Cheema
Kanwar Inder Singh/ royalpatiala.in News/ April 1,2026
Punjab Finance, Transport, Excise and Taxation Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema chaired a high-level review meeting of the Transport Department to address issues related to the issuance of Registration Certificates and Driving Licences. The meeting was attended by Secretary Transport Varun Roojam, State Transport Commissioner Parneet Shergill, Secretaries RTA, RTOs and other senior officers.
Minister Harpal Singh Cheema stated, “In a decisive move to streamline public services, we conducted a comprehensive review of the Transport Department, with primary focus on resolving issues related to the issuance of Registration Certificates and Driving Licences.”
He stated, “I have taken strict cognisance of the total applications currently pending at the verification and approval stages and directed officials to clear these pendencies at the earliest.”
Reiterating the commitment of the Punjab Government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Harpal Singh Cheema stated, “We are committed to ensuring time-bound public service delivery, and I have ordered close monitoring of all applications that have been delayed beyond the prescribed time limit.”
He added, “The department is actively compiling detailed data on pending applications along with the specific reasons for delay to enforce accountability and expedite the clearance process.”
Highlighting the government’s push for digital governance, the Minister stated, “We reviewed the status of Driving Licence services offered through faceless and contactless modes and have instructed officials to meticulously track applications pending under these categories to guarantee their timely disposal.”
Addressing citizen inconvenience, he stated, “The backlog in the printing of Registration Certificates and Driving Licences at the centralised printing branch must be treated as a top priority, and I have issued firm directions to clear this pendency.”
On road safety and transport operations, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema stated, “We held detailed discussions regarding the deployment and monitoring of highway traffic cameras to ensure better traffic management and road safety across Punjab.”
He further stated, “We are also working on optimisation of public transport schedules by reviewing current timetables and addressing missing routes to enhance the efficiency, reliability and reach of the transport network.”
