DODA, Jan 22 – Residents of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly from the remote Chenab Valley region, are struggling with the government’s AI-based Learner’s License (LL) system. Applicants report technical glitches during tests and long delays in receiving Driving Licenses (DL), raising concerns about the effectiveness and fairness of the process in far-flung, mountainous areas.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways introduced a faceless, online system to simplify LL issuance, relying on Aadhaar-based authentication and AI-powered face recognition to monitor tests. But residents from districts like Doda and Kishtwar say the system’s strict monitoring penalizes minor movements or natural human behavior, leaving many disqualified despite answering all test questions correctly.
Technical Glitches and Violations
Applicants frequently face violations for reasons such as blinking, smiling, or minor movements during the test. The most common issue, however, is “absence of the applicant detected,” where the system erroneously flags candidates as absent even when they are sitting in front of the camera.
Mudassar Hussain, a college student from Doda, was among those disqualified due to technical issues. “I was fully prepared and answered all the questions correctly, but the system flagged me as absent. It was frustrating because I did nothing wrong,” he said. Hussain must now wait a week to retake the test, causing unnecessary delays in his application process.
Sajad Hussain, a shop owner in Doda, shared a similar experience. “My work depends on having a license to transport goods between towns. I was flagged for smiling during the test, which is absurd. These rules don’t consider how normal people behave,” he said. Hussain expressed concern that delays in obtaining his license are affecting his livelihood.
Nasir Ahmed, another applicant from the region, said he faced violations for background noise during his test. “I live in a joint family, and there was some noise in the house, which the system flagged as a violation. It’s not something I can control,” he said. Ahmed added that the online process, while well-intentioned, has created more challenges for people in rural and crowded households.
Business and Education Disrupted
For college student Aamir Lone, obtaining a license is essential for commuting between Bhaderwah and nearby towns for his studies. “In our region, public transport is limited, and having a license is a necessity,” he said. But after being disqualified for a “blink violation,” Lone was left frustrated. “How can they expect someone not to blink during a long test? It’s unfair and impractical,” he said.
Faheem ul Islam, a businessman in Thathri, criticized the system’s lack of flexibility. “Many of us depend on licenses for our work. The system is unforgiving, and even small, unintentional actions can lead to disqualification. It’s not just about technology—it’s about understanding the challenges people in remote areas face,” he said.
Delivery Delays Deepen the Problem
Even after clearing the tests, applicants from Doda and Kishtwar face long delays in receiving their Driving Licenses. While licenses are issued online in other states and sent by post in Jammu and Kashmir, residents of these districts report waiting seven to eight months for delivery. In contrast, applicants in Jammu and nearby districts typically receive their licenses within a month.
“These delays are unacceptable,” said a cyber café operator in Doda who helps residents with online applications. “It feels like deliberate discrimination against Chenab Valley. People here are already struggling with poor infrastructure and connectivity, and these delays only add to their problems.”
The delays are particularly problematic for residents who depend on licenses for work and education. Critics argue the inefficiency in delivering licenses to remote areas reflects a larger pattern of neglect for regions like Chenab Valley, which already lag in development.
Critics have called for immediate reforms to the AI-based system and the delivery process. Suggestions include improving the AI’s accuracy to avoid false violations, allowing for manual review of flagged cases, and ensuring timely delivery of licenses to all regions.
“While the government’s initiative to digitize services is commendable, it should not come at the expense of fairness,” said an analyst familiar with the system. “Rural and remote regions need special attention to ensure they are not left behind in the digital transition.”
For now, applicants in the Chenab Valley continue to grapple with delays and disqualifications, with many calling for better infrastructure and equitable treatment.
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Anzer Ayoob is the Founder and Chief Editor to The Chenab Times
