In this exclusive interview for ITV GOLD TV Channel, Nidhi Kathuria speaks with Gulshan Chhabra, the newly appointed Commissioner of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC). With a rich background spanning over 25 years in business, engineering, project management, and community service, Mr. Chhabra is poised to bring transformative changes to the MVC. He shares his journey, vision, and strategies to modernize the MVC and enhance services for New Jersey residents.
Nidhi Kathuria: Welcome, Mr. Chhabra, and congratulations on your new role as MVC Commissioner! How does it feel to take on this significant position?
Gulshan Chhabra: Thank you, Nidhi! It’s an honor and a privilege. I’m deeply grateful to Governor Murphy and the Senate for giving me this opportunity to serve our state. This role is both a personal and professional milestone, and I am excited to leverage my experience to make a positive impact.
Nidhi: Could you share how this opportunity came about and what it means to you?
Chhabra: Certainly. The opportunity came after discussions with the Governor’s Office about how my background in business leadership, project management, and community service could contribute to the MVC. For me, it’s a chance to bring together my diverse experiences to enhance the services provided by the MVC, improve operations, and ultimately benefit the residents of New Jersey.
Nidhi: What are some of your immediate priorities and long-term goals for the MVC?
Chhabra: One of my immediate priorities is to reduce wait times at MVC offices. Many residents face delays, and we need to address that urgently. Long-term, my focus is on digitizing MVC systems. This will enable residents to complete many tasks from the comfort of their homes, using their smartphones or computers, instead of physically visiting MVC offices. Additionally, ensuring robust cybersecurity to protect residents’ data is a critical aspect of our modernization efforts.
Nidhi: Are there specific areas that require urgent attention or reform?
Chhabra: Digitalization is a key area that needs immediate attention. The world is evolving rapidly, and most people today rely heavily on digital solutions. We must adapt to these changes to meet the expectations of our residents. Alongside this, cybersecurity is a top priority. Protecting sensitive data is essential as we move towards more online services.
Nidhi: With your extensive experience in business, how do you plan to bring improvements and efficiencies to the MVC?
Chhabra: My time in the private sector taught me the importance of efficiency, transparency, and accountability. At the MVC, we will implement key performance indicators to measure where we excel and where we need improvement. Incorporating technology, such as artificial intelligence, can enhance productivity and streamline operations. Additionally, I plan to ensure that employees are held accountable, which will improve service delivery and efficiency.
Nidhi: What lessons from your experience in the hospitality and gasoline industries will you bring to this role?
Chhabra: Customer service is the cornerstone of any successful business, and that’s a principle I’ll bring to the MVC. In my previous roles, I learned that keeping customers happy builds trust and loyalty. At the MVC, our residents are our customers, and my goal is to make their experience as seamless and positive as possible.
Nidhi: How do you plan to collaborate with state leadership to address challenges and ensure smooth operations at the MVC?
Chhabra: Collaboration with the administration and legislators is essential. The MVC relies on funding from the state, particularly for digitization projects. I will maintain regular communication with the Senate and Assembly to ensure we have the resources needed to implement improvements. Together, we can achieve a more efficient and modern MVC for New Jersey residents.
Nidhi: Residents often find the six-point identification system cumbersome. Are there plans to streamline it?
Chhabra: I understand the frustrations residents face with the six-point system. It was implemented to prevent misuse and discrepancies, but it can be complex. As I settle into this role, I plan to review this system and gather feedback from customers. Modern technology, like facial recognition, could simplify the process significantly. I’m open to hosting town hall meetings or visiting MVC offices to better understand residents’ concerns and find practical solutions.
Nidhi: With technology advancing rapidly, how do you envision integrating digital solutions to enhance customer experience at the MVC?
Chhabra: Digitalization is critical. We are exploring ways to integrate vehicle registration, insurance, and licensing into digital platforms. For instance, drivers could store these documents digitally and display them via their car dashboards or smartphones during routine checks. This would reduce reliance on physical documents, save costs, and make the process more efficient.
Nidhi: What do you see as the biggest challenges for the MVC in the coming years?
Chhabra: Cybersecurity is undoubtedly the biggest challenge. As we move towards digital services, ensuring the security of residents’ data is paramount. We’ll work closely with experts to build robust systems to protect against cyber threats. Additionally, keeping up with evolving technology and addressing funding constraints are challenges we’ll need to navigate.
Nidhi:Finally, what message do you have for the residents of New Jersey as you embark on this new journey?
Chhabra: I urge all New Jersey residents to get involved in community service and make their voices heard. Engage with your local senators and assembly members, and don’t hesitate to share feedback. My role is a service to the community, and I’m committed to making a difference. Together, we can create a better experience for everyone at the MVC.
Nidhi: Thank you, Mr. Chhabra, for sharing your vision and plans. We wish you the very best in your new role and look forward to seeing the positive changes you will bring to the MVC.
Chhabra:Thank you, Nidhi. It was a pleasure speaking with you.
Gulshan Chhabra’s journey as MVC Commissioner promises a new era of modernization, efficiency, and enhanced customer service for New Jersey residents. His innovative approach and dedication to community service set a promising tone for the future of the MVC.
(Used with permission)
