THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) has redeployed its officials withdrawn from FRIENDS (Fast Reliable Instant Efficient Network for Disbursement of Services) to fast-track counters in Regional Transport Offices. Around 40 officials will be redeployed in this way. Transport Commissioner Tomin J Thachankary said the redeployment would help provide more fast track services to the public. The public depended on FRIENDS, started in 2001, for paying fees and tax when the MVD was not computerised. The number of counters for receiving payments was restricted to one in regional and sub-regional transport offices. This situation changed since 2008 as the number of counters increased and as many as 21 online services were introduced.
The number of people visiting FRIENDS reduced after Akshya Kendras and fast track counters at transport offices became popular and it resulted in redeployment to meet the requirements of applicants, said Thachankary. From December 10, there will be an additional fast track counter from the existing two at the Regional Transport Office. The lone counter at the sub-regional office will be converted into a fast track one. A circular from the Transport Commissionerate directed that the public should not be denied service citing frivolous reasons.