Staff shortage hits 'Safe Kerala' Project amid increased focus on driving tests

The 'Safe Kerala' scheme by the Kerala Motor Vehicle Department (MVD), aimed at reducing road accidents statewide, faces increased strain following a recent driving test reform. The scheme has been in crisis from the start due to a shortage of officers. Now, the officials of the enforcement squad assigned to 'Safe Kerala' have been reassigned to manage the increased workload of the driving test reforms, which demanded additional personnel.

A scheme called 'Safe Zone' was implemented to reduce accidents on the Sabarimala path. Following this, the Motor Vehicle Department implemented the 'Safe Kerala' project in 2018. The operation was divided into squads. Each squad will have one Motor Vehicles Inspector (MVI) and three Assistant MVIs. The squads will work 24 hours a day in three eight-hour shifts on state and national highways.

The aim was to reduce road accidents and traffic rule violations through strict monitoring. More than 700 personnel are needed to implement the project. But there were only 340 people. Due to a shortage of officers, the Safe Kerala enforcement squads worked only for eight hours.

It was during this time that the driving test reforms were implemented. Previously, up to 60 driving tests were conducted under the guidance of an MVI. Under the new amendment, an MVI can conduct only up to 40 tests. This led to a backlog of applications. With this, officials of the enforcement squad were assigned to speed up the driving test. Now the squad officers are struggling to work even for eight hours.

Recommendations 

The Transport Commissioner had recommended the creation of 14 enforcement joint RTOs, 198 Motor Vehicle Inspectors, and 510 Assistant Motor Vehicle Inspectors to implement the 'Safe Kerala' scheme. It has been submitted for approval from the government.