Transport minister Laljit Singh Bhullar announces to put all bus permits online to weed out mafia

Chandigarh : Announcing the strict implementation of “One Bus-One Permit” measure, the Punjab Transport Minister S. Laljit Singh Bhullar, on Wednesday, said that all the bus permits would be put online soon to root out the bus mafia from the state.During the meeting with the general managers of all the bus depots at Punjab Bhawan here, S. Bhullar asserted, this decision was being taken in view of the need to bring more transparency in the functioning of the transport department, instructing Principal Secretary Transport Mr. K. Siva Prasad to expedite the process of getting the permit online at the earliest.Instructing to tighten the noose around illegal private buses operating from outside the bus stands, the Transport Minister directed all the depot general managers that the department has already conferred the powers upon them to stop the illegal buses within the ambit of 500 meters of the bus stands. Therefore, the general managers should seize the private and travel buses carrying passengers from outside the bus stands. The general managers have been directed to seek the cooperation of the Secretary, RTAs to carry out this task.

Focusing on increasing income of the department, S. Bhullar directed to strictly end irregularities and said that he was receiving reports of bus fuel pilferage. Therefore, the general managers should ensure a minimum mileage of 4.8 km per litre from each bus. He directed the general managers to take action for recovery against those drivers, who will not achieve mileage targets.The Minister directed that the student bus passes should be made in a hassle-free and time-bound manner. He said that the pending cases of student passes should be resolved immediately. S. Bhullar also directed the general managers to pay utmost attention to the cleaning of toilets at the bus stands, treatment of driver-conductors with passengers and provision of potable water in the buses. “I will soon launch a checking campaign of bus stands and any negligence will invite strict action,” he added.Affirming the policy of the Punjab government to provide transparent and honest governance, the Minister conveyed crystal clear indication to all the officers that if any officer or employee was found to be involved in corruption, he would not be tolerated at any cost.Principal Secretary Transport Mr. K. Siva Prasad, Director State Transport Ms. Amandeep Kaur and all Depot General Managers were present in the meeting.