Kerala plans to shut down MVD check-posts

In view of the increasing incidents of corruption and irregularities at the inter-State check-posts manned by the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD), the government is planning to shut down all the 19 MVD check-posts in Kerala and redeploy officials.

The surprise raids carried out by the Vigilance and Anti Corruption Bureau (VACB) at the MVD check-posts in Palakkad from January 10 to 13 yielded ₹3.26 lakh in unaccounted money.

On the first day, the VACB raids unearthed ₹1.49 lakh in unaccounted money, revealing corrupt practices, irregularities, and clandestine deals between officers and agents. This was followed by another seizure of ₹1.77 lakh from the other check-posts in the district next day.

Speaking to The Hindu, Transport Commissioner C.H. Nagaraju said, “We are considering the proposal of winding up all the check-posts in the State as there is no need for them now with the introduction of e-way bills and virtual check-posts by the GST department.”  

The vigilance raid had brought in a bad image for the department and discussions were on at the top level to close down the check-posts, he said.

All the services provided by the check-posts were now available online, and there was no need for physical check-posts. The officials deputed to these check-posts could be redeployed for other enforcement purposes on the road, said a senior officer.

All check-posts across the State went digital in 2022 with the MVD switching to an online module for issuing permits and collecting fees online. However, the practice of physically verifying the details at the check-posts had been continuing.

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