Bandipora, January 23: A Day after Kashmir Convener highlighted the repeated delays in driving tests in Bandipora, Assistant Regional transport Office (ARTO) Bandipora has announced fresh dates for driving tests, much to the relief of hundreds of frustrated aspirants.
“General Public is informed through the medium if this notice that driving license trial test which were earlier scheduled on 7th January, 2025, 14th January 2025, and 21st January 2025 and were postponed due to some unavoidable circumstances will now be held as per the new schedule,” reads the public notice issued by ARTO Bandipora Anis Ahmad Wani
As per the public notice, individuals who were scheduled to appear for driving tests on January 7 will now have their tests conducted on January 24, while those originally slated for January 14 and 21 will appear on January 25.
The decision to reschedule the tests comes days after Kashmir Convener published a detailed report exposing repeated delays and allegations of mismanagement at the ARTO Bandipora office. The report highlighted the growing public outrage over inefficiencies, lack of accountability, and rude behaviour by officials, pushing the authorities to take corrective action.
Speaking to Kashmir Convener, an aspirant expressed partial relief at the fresh dates but stressed the need for systemic reform. “The announcement is a welcome move, but it does not erase the inconvenience caused over the past month. We hope the administration ensures such delays do not occur again,” the aspirant said.
Locals acknowledged the role of the media in bringing their plight to the fore. “It is thanks to platforms like Kashmir Convener that our grievances are finally being heard. We urge the authorities to maintain transparency and regularity in public services moving forward,” said a resident in a post on Social Media.
The fresh announcement is seen as a step towards addressing the inefficiency that has plagued the ARTO Bandipora office. However, locals have reiterated their demands for sensitization workshops for the staff to improve their public dealing skills.
The Deputy Commissioner of Bandipora, Manzoor Ahmad Qadri, had earlier assured prompt action following the report. Locals thanked Deputy Commissioner Bandipora and ARTO Bandipora for acting swiftly over the public grievance.
Comments are closed.