Tuiṭhaphai, May 24, 2025, Virthli (ONP): The Lamka Consumer Club (LCC) has raised serious concerns over the functioning of the District Transport Office (DTO) located at Bijang/Hmarveng, Churachandpur. In an inspection visit on May 23, LCC members found the office operational in name only, with the official in-charge, the District Transport Officer, reportedly working remotely from Imphal instead of being physically present.
LCC President Tuanmuanson Vualnam, Secretary Lienminlal Gangte, and other executive members who visited the office highlighted that the absence of the DTO has made it extremely difficult for the public to obtain essential services such as new driving licences, licence renewals, registration certificates, and pollution certificates.
Lienminlal Gangte expressed deep concern over the hardships faced by citizens due to the lack of an on-site DTO, stating, "It is unacceptable that despite the office being officially functional, key services remain largely inaccessible to the public."
He added that while the Transport Department of Manipur is moving towards a hybrid system of online and physical issuance of e-Driving Licences (eDL) and e-Registration Certificates (eRC), many in rural Manipur lack access to smartphones and reliable internet, making in-person services essential.
The LCC has urged the Transport Department to ensure that a full-time officer is stationed at the Churachandpur DTO office to address public grievances and facilitate timely delivery of services. They called on authorities to act swiftly and ensure the office functions properly and efficiently for the benefit of the public.
