By: Staff Writer
November 19, Colombo (LNW): The MTD is pushing ahead with the long-awaited massive digital transformation, aimed at increasing efficiency, cutting down corruption, and convenience for the general public.
Accordingly, the e-Motoring project that has been underway to digitize and streamline vehicle registration and other related services will be resumed.
In this regard, a proposal for cabinet approval is shortly to be submitted to the newly appointed cabinet, said Commissioner General Nishantha Anuruddha Weerasingha.
E-Motoring Project to Streamline Services
The e-Motoring initiative focuses on the development and implementation of an integrated information communication technology (ICT) solution to enhance the efficiency of services provided by the Department of Motor Traffic and the Provincial Department of Motor Traffic.
It seeks to eliminate the existing, outdated Motor Vehicle Registration system, introduce new best practices, and enhance processes for vehicle registration and importation to facilitate the convenience and efficiency of the general public.
This initiative is all part of the government’s intention to upgrade public services through digitalization. A project implementation site has already been approved; its implementation is expected this year.
Challenges against Modernization Efforts
In addition to the government’s push for digitization, the project certainly faces a myriad of obstacles. These include outdated systems, slow progress, and resistance from some officials benefiting from the status quo.
The digitization effort, which was undertaken starting in 2018, had run into procurement delays and administrative inefficiencies that, at times, have been linked to bureaucratic red tape.
Changes in government leadership have also further complicated this process and led to inconsistent decision-making.
Apart from the fact that it is quite outdated, not having been updated for well over 20 years, frequent changes in senior officials mean that many retire or get transferred before projects are complete.
This infrastructure cannot also support modern technologies, with most of them having to rely on vendors for outsourcing and giving up on projects in some cases.
Corruption and Internal Resistance
Internal resistance from the few MTD officials, some of whom benefit from the old system, has obstructed success. Whiffs of corruption and fraudulent practices blew in, and the Bribery Commission launched investigations, suspending several officials. The present system, characterized by poor organization and inadequate archiving of documents related to vehicle registration, is prone to such malpractices.
Progress despite Setbacks
Despite these challenges, Commissioner General Weerasingha has been trying to implement some reforms to ensure smoother operations.
For instance, the department has started scanning and archiving documents related to the registration of vehicles for better recordkeeping. Even though the system is yet to get full approval, these will help iron out inefficiencies in the system.
Weerasingha is also hoping to extend this system at the present Narahenpita building itself without shifting, which was earlier proposed.
Successes exist amidst the challenges faced by the department. Revenue has gone up during the tenure of Weerasingha despite restrictions on vehicle imports.
A backlog of over 950 000 pending driving license applications has been almost cleared with a total of 95 percent processed.
Future Plans
Going forward, the MTD will introduce an e-Driving License system, which will be accessible through mobile phones.
A new system will also be developed to handle traffic offenses using a demerit point system, where fines against offenders can be paid in real time.
Although it will take some time to get the MTD fully digitized, it is doing quite well in changing its activities and serving the people.
