Several drivers in Phuentshogling, whose licenses have been revoked by the Bhutan Construction and Transport Authority or BCTA are facing difficult times. Those who rely on driving for their livelihood are especially hard-hit with some forced to sell their vehicles to make ends meet.
Last year, the Bhutan Construction and Transport Authority cancelled more than 1,600 driving licenses that were issued in Phuentshogling. The authority revoked the licenses after finding various procedural lapses and non-compliance in issuing the licenses.
In some cases, required tests were not conducted, and in some cases, there was inadequate documentation.
Drivers requesting anonymity said that the Bhutan Construction and Transport Authority is equally responsible for the poor documentation. So, revoking licenses is not fair.
“Those who earn by driving trucks and taxis are having a very tough time. It is challenging, especially in times of emergency. We cannot drive to the hospital and not anywhere.”
“They said our licenses are being cancelled because some required documents were missing. But this does not mean we made licenses through fraudulent practices. I think documentation is their work.”
They said revisiting the issue would be very helpful.
Meanwhile, Section 148 of the Road Safety and Transport Regulations 2021 empowers the authority to cancel a driving license if obtained without the required test or through fraudulent practices.
According to the Bhutan Construction and Transport Authority, since the individuals acquired the licenses illegally, they must follow regulations and there is not much the organisation can do.
Meanwhile, one BCTA official faced administrative action for issuing the licenses while two others received warnings.
Kinley Dem & Tashi Dekar
Edited by Sonam Pem
