People throng RTO office, as staff set to join indefinite strike tomorrow

Houseful: People crowd every possible window at the RTO hoping to get their work done before the employees join the indefinite strike from February 13. Pic/Mohan Patil

Utter chaos was witnessed at the Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO) yesterday, as people thronged the RTO to get their work. The reason for this maddening rush was the commencement of an indefinite strike of state government employees union, including RTO employees, from tomorrow.


Houseful: People crowd every possible window at the RTO hoping to get their work done before the employees join the indefinite strike from February 13. Pic/Mohan Patil

"I've been visiting the RTO for permit replacement work for the last 15 days, but it is still pending. Every time I come here, the clerk demands a new document. And if the office is closed for indefinite period from February 13, then it will spell doom for me," said auto driver Ramchandra Varma. "We are a family of four, and are dependent on the auto for our daily meals. It is important for me to get this thing done, so I can work and earn for my family."

It was observed that touts were making a killing by overcharging people visiting the RTO to provide information or getting their work done.

Sahir Shaikh, who was at the RTO yesterday, said, "The strike is only going to increase their workload. People come here for registration of new vehicles, pay fines and get permit renewals, among others. Stopping work is ultimately wasting public time. At least RTO employees shouldn't participate in this strike."

Officialspeak
Commenting on the issue, Deputy Regional Transport Officer Anil Valiv said, "The employees will be going on a strike and it is their individual decision. My superiors and me will be working, but the routine will be disturbed in the absence of other employees."