I am a confirmed IGOphobiac (suffer from fear of Indian Government Offices).
After my brother in
law handed over the signed paper for the bike, I carefully studied the RTO
website (http://www.rto.kar.nic.in)
and noted down all pre-requisites - RC book, Insurance, Form 29, Form 30 etc.
Then, anticipating issues, I took two photocopies of each document. After
double and triple-checking, and assuming I was all set to go.
Took one hour
permission from office and went to KR Puram RTO. It was 2:30 PM and not much
crowded. I had presented my papers to which the Supervisor scribbled that he
needed Electricity bill (In spite of my rent agreement) and SASE. The cash counter closes by 2:30 PM and I had
no choice but to come back next day.
The next day I was all
set with in excess of documents required with their photocopies. First I bought
a brown cover and Rs.25 stamps from the nearby post office and headed straight to
the RTO. The scene was the typical govt office chaos. Crowds of people buzzing around
and few others who distinguished can quicken the process if you showered them
with money.
I first headed to the
cash counter at ground floor and paid the required amount. Went to the first
floor where supervisor was suppose to be seated, after a long wait from 10:30 am
to 11:30 am the supervisor gave his darshan, there were other who were waiting
in queue from 10 am some left and some wondering if he would even come. Luckily
I was the first in the queue when he came as other ahead of me tried to find if
he will come or to seek other channels. I presented the documents bunch to the supervisor
and he tried hard to see if he could find any fault with it, and yes after
shuffling through few other files he showed me to get other postal envelope
which had different color. Why I don’t know(might be the shop guy nearby gives
him commission on sale of it)!!! So there I go again to get the envelope the supervisor
mentioned from the nearby shop where they sell juices, tea, envelope with
stamps and photocopies. Got the SASE(envelope with stamps) from the shop wrote
my address as neatly as I could and headed back to the supervisor. There you go
now no room for mistake and convinced that I will not bribe he gave his
precious signature and told me to get biometric sticker on it. The room on the
ground floor (which is photo + biometric was double crowded) and I navigated
and got it pasted on my cash receipt done finally. Now the final stages for the
Acknowledgement of receipt I thought, which was on the second floor. I entered
the room and showed my papers and they say it’s not there and go to first floor,
why only he knows. But I told him I have verified the documents and I was sent
to second floor by the supervisor. He diverted me to the lady sitting two
tables from him and yes that was my last check point. I gave her the documents
after seeing everything she looks at me and gives me three points to do
1.
Mention my bike
registration number and my mobile number on the SASE.
2.
To get an small
plastic zip bag for the smart card
3.
Go get signature from
the seller (Form 30).
On hearing the third
point I went bonkers and I tell her the signature is there on the signature
area, but she still insists. I say ok and left the place. I went down to shop
again, bought the zip bag for the smart card, a file tying thread and had a juice to kill 10 minutes. While that
time I rearrange my documents tie with the thread and went back to the second
floor. I gave the papers and after stating at it for few seconds she writes my
details on her register and gave me the Acknowledgement slip and told me that you
can expect the new card at your address in 30 days time :)
And that was it.
The transaction was over, leaving me absolutely thrilled. I'd done a
transaction with a government office, in the proper manner - no bribes, no agents,
just the proper process and Patience.
Summary of
transaction:
·
Time spent at the
office: about 1 hour first day, About 3 hours second day
·
Total Cost: Rs. 248
(Rs. 160 for the fee; Rs. 63 for Biometric stamp, Rs. 25 for the self-addressed
stamped speed post envelope near RTO)
·
Peace of mind and
clear conscience gained by not succumbing to agents / touts: priceless!
So is my IGOphobia cured? Not completely, but I'm getting there!
