CHANDIGARH:Punjab Transport Minister S. Laljit Singh Bhullar, in a marathon meeting with Secretaries of all the Regional Transport Authorities (RTAs) today directed to launch intensive checking campaign to stop illegal buses plying in the state. He said that while strict action, as per the rules, should be taken against the defaulting and illegally operating buses, all the small and big bus operators should be given appropriate time in the time table and no discrimination will be tolerated while implementing the timetable.
During the meeting at the office of State Transport Commissioner, the Transport Minister directed all the RTAs to coordinate with the officials of Punjab Roadways to check the illegal operation of buses, adding that the officials of Punjab Roadways would also ensure that no illegal bus would ply from the bus stand. "If any such bus is found operating, the concerned RTA should be informed immediately", he added.
Giving strict instructions to ensure action against illegal contract carriage buses and other buses plying outside the bus stands, S. Bhullar further said that action should also be taken against the violating school bus operators as per the rules and regulations and the provisions of 'Safe School Vahan Policy' should be strictly enforced.
For providing rationalised time, the Transport Minister directed that "whether it is a big or small bus operator, everyone should be given rationalised and appropriate time while implementing new time table. No discrimination will be tolerated."
The Transport Minister asked the officials to work diligently for the smooth functioning of the department and in the public interest. He said that the officers should ensure co-ordination among themselves and timely disposal of public affairs by being present in the office during office hours.
Those who were present in the meeting, included; Principal Secretary Transport Mr. K. Siva Prasad, State Transport Commissioner Mr. Vimal Kumar Setia, Additional State Transport Commissioner Mr. Amarbir Singh Sidhu, Director State Transport Mrs. Amandeep Kaur and Managing Director PRTC Patiala Ms. Pawandeep Kaur along with all the Secretaries, Regional Transport Authority and Punjab Roadways.