At Sheikh Sarai RTO, counter opens exclusively for women
NEWDELHI: For 25-year-old Sana, who had visited a transport office in the city to apply for a learner’s driving licence on Saturday, it was a “smooth” experience.
Contrary to what she had imagined, of unruly men pushing and shoving in long queues, it only took her half-an-hour to complete the formalities.
The Delhi government’s transport department on Saturday opened women-only counters at its two transport authorities — Sheikh Sarai and Dwarka in south Delhi. The counters will cater exclusively to women.
While the counter at the newly renovated Sheikh Sarai regional transport office (RTO) has become functional, the Dwarka facility will open on Monday, senior Delhi government officials told.
“It was completely different from what I had imagined after hearing other people’s experiences. There was a separate queue for women and the staff were polite. The complex was clean and well-kept. I had thought it would take me over an hour to get my work done, but, the entire process took only half-an-hour. I think this model should be followed by all other government offices,” Sana, a dentist, said.
The women-only counters are a bid to improve the firsthand experience of women visitors and students applying for driving licences and other requirements at government facilities, officials said. The counter for women is in addition to the existing counters.
“We felt a need to set up separate counters for women, as it was observed that many youngsters coming to the facility for the first time did not feel comfortable standing in queues. The initiative will be expanded to other RTOS soon,” a senior government official said.
The RTOS have been told to incorporate a small note on the provisional appointment letters issued for driving tests asking women applicants to approach the women-only counter, the official added.
The department is also mulling deploying women staff at the counter. Besides, another proposal of opening small cafeterias at each of the city’s 13 RTOS is also in the works. Such counters may be opened in the revenue department, Delhi Jal Board and district magistrate (DM) complexes, officials said.
Upneet Kaur, 28, a logistics professional, said it was her second visit to the RTO and it was entirely different from the first.
“Last time, the complex was yet to be renovated and had a dull look. Today, it looked much more welcoming. Earlier, one had to stand in queue but the separate counter for women has made thing easier,” she said.