MUMBAI: Officials and clerks at regional transport offices will face strict action, including suspension , if any agent or tout is found on the premises from Monday, warned state transport commissioner Mahesh Zagade Following the directive, agents, who have set up shop outside RTO precincts in the city, have decided to go on strike from Monday. “We will not assist any applicant, lets see how the work gets done at RTOs. Both officials/clerks and citizens depend on us daily,” claimed an agent who has been operating outside Tardeo RTO for several years.But Zagade seems to have his strategy in place.“I have warned all RTO heads and their deputies that they too would be held responsible if any agents or touts are found on the premises,” he said. Zagade also plans to visit the RTOs in Mumbai, Thane and Navi Mumbai in his own car to conduct surprise checks. TOI had earlier reported that Zagade had promised to make all RTOs “tout-free” in 2015.“It is a big challenge to break this nexus (between agents and RTO officials/clerks)...unscrupulous cartels are doing business to the tune of crores of rupees every month,” he said. “We willprovide customer-friendly services at RTOs and encourage speedy disposal of cases/applications strictly on first-come-first-serve basis to ensure transparency. There will bezero corruption.”Zagade appealed to citizens to do their bit by saying “No” to touts. ““If you come to the RTO with the filled forms and not entertain touts, they will automatically go out of business.”But agents are sceptical of Zagade’s plan. “Politicians, celebrities and businessmen do not come to RTOs, they get their work done through agents. Also, some RTOs are in bad condition; there are no proper seats, canteens or toilets. Will Zagade spruce up all RTOs and make them citizen-friendly,” asked the agent outside Tardeo RTO. An assistant RTO official pointed out that several semi-literate and illiterate applicants prefer agents who fill up their forms and submit them at the right counters.Lauding the “crusade against corruption”, transport expert A V Shenoy suggested that the government should appoint a dedicated helpdesk wherein state officials can assist citizens in filling up forms, guide them to the right counters and redress their grievances.Zagade said they will soon introduce more technology-based systems, such as online applications, customer-friendly website and mobile apps. “We already have online registrations for learner licences and permanent driving licences. We will introduce more online systems and outsource some jobs so that citizens do not have to come to the RTOs for every work.”