Guwahati: None of the 100 recently introduced CNG buses in Guwahati will be operating on Friday, seemingly in protest. This comes after yesterday’s termination of two employees’ jobs.
According to reports, all of the new CNG buses in Guwahati remained at ISBT, Garchuk because the drivers and conductors refused to come back to work after two of their coworkers were let off following a surprise inspection.
A vigilance squad unexpectedly checked two CNG buses on the orders of state transport minister Parimal Suklabaidya to verify strict adherence to providing tickets to passengers.
The vigilance team had noticed two employees, the bus conductors, misappropriating funds while the checks were being made. They were then relieved of their duties for failing to issue tickets.
Two buses were noticed as part of the surprise inspection by the vigilance team, according to an order dated February 9 from the managing director’s office of the Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC).
The buses bearing numbers AS 20/2359 and AS 20/2378 were under investigation by the team and it was found that the conductors attempted to misappropriate revenue by not issuing tickets.
The order numbered 1434 read, “Whereas a Vigilance report dated 20.01.2023 vide No. ASTC/AE/CWS/VIG/84/2022-23.1587 against the crews of CNG Buses bearing nos. AS 20/2359 and AS20/2378 near Radisson Blue Hotel and Shantipur, Guwahati respectively was submitted by the vigilance team, ASTC wherein it was clearly stated that a surprise checking was carried out on 13.01.2023 in ASTC CNG buses by the Vigilance Officials. While checking the crews of CNG buses, it was found that the following conductors of ASTC buses mentioned above attempted to misappropriate ASTC/Govt. revenue by not issuing tickets to onboard passengers for their personal benefit.”
Those identified to be involved in the misappropriation of revenue by the vigilance team were Biplab Kalita and Rubul Kalita. As per the order, Biplab Kalita was found to have embezzled Rs 2,000 or rightful government revenue, while Rubul Kalita had embezzled Rs 485.
“Therefore, in the interest of the Corporation as well as the Public at large the above mentioned Conductors (Contractual) of ASTC, are hereby released from their contractual engagement in ASTC as per Corporation rule,” the order further added.
