VIJAYAWADA: The Real-Time Governance Society (RTGS), which monitors public feedback on government services to improve administrative functioning, has flagged serious concerns over corruption in the Transport department across Andhra Pradesh, with Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu’s home district, Chittoor, reportedly topping the list.
An RTGS survey conducted through random Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS) calls during December and January found that nearly 60 per cent of respondents in Chittoor reported facing corruption while availing Transport department services, including payment of taxes, obtaining permits, and securing vehicle fitness certificates.
At the State level, the survey indicated that corruption continues to persist in the department, with an average of 45 per cent of respondents across AP stating that they experienced corruption while dealing with Transport offices.
Despite these findings, the survey showed higher satisfaction levels, with 59 per cent of respondents expressing satisfaction with the overall services delivered by the Transport department, while 41 per cent said they were dissatisfied.
RTGS conducted the survey through 12,580 IVRS calls over the two-month period. Of these, 9,457 calls were connected, and 1,867 citizens provided feedback, which formed the basis of the findings.
Further, 48.14 per cent of respondents said Transport officials collected extra money during vehicle registration processes. However, respondents gave positive feedback on digital services, with 66 per cent expressing satisfaction with services provided through the VAHAN portal.
The findings present a contrasting picture, indicating that while digital platforms have improved service delivery, corruption at the field level continues to be a concern, contradicting the government’s claims of corruption-free governance.
According to sources, the absence of regulatory control over private operators running 18 automated driving testing centres and nine automated vehicle fitness testing centres has contributed to public complaints. “There is no regulatory body to monitor their activities, and that’s the reason behind the complaints of corruption,” said a senior official.