CHANDIGARH: Laljit Singh Bhullar today assumed charge as the Transport and Hospitality Minister of Punjab in the presence of PWD and Power Minister Mr. Harbhajan Singh, Education, Higher Education and Sports Minister Mr. Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer, MLA Mr. Manjit Singh Bilaspur, MLA Mr. Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra, MLA Mr. Manjinder Singh Lalpura, MLA Mr. Kulwant Singh Pandori and other dignitaries.
Expressing gratitude towards AAP Convener and Delhi Chief Minister Mr. Arvind Kejriwal, Punjab Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Mann and Punjab Co-incharge Mr. Raghav Chadha for reposing trust in him and vowed to live up to the responsibility assigned to him.
While responding to the queries after assuming the office, Mr. Bhullar, who hails from Legislative Assembly constituency Patti in district Tarn Taran and is agriculturist by profession, said that the system had become corrupt during the regimes of previous governments. We will resolve these shortcomings to revive PRTC, Punjab Roadways Bus Service and Transport Department.
Transport Minister Mr. Bhullar, replying to another question, said that cases like plying of multiple illegal buses on single permit and operating buses up to 250 km on the route permit of 40 km would be thoroughly investigated. Mr. Bhullar said that the permits recently issued by the Congress government would also be scrutinized.
The Minister said, "I have started working immediately after assuming charge today. Our 99% honest officers and employees will work shoulder to shoulder with us to improve the functioning of the department which had became infamous due to just one percent corrupt officials and employees."
Assuring the continuation of free bus travel facility for women in buses, S. Laljit Singh Bhullar further said that more such facilities would be introduced besides ensuring reservation of seats for children, senior citizens and persons with disabilities. He said that contractual and adhoc employees, who have expressed confidence in the Aam Aadmi Party government, would also be given their very due rights. Apart from this new bus stands would be constructed and special care will be taken for cleanliness in bus stands. He said that there was no place for political vendetta in AAP government but illegal buses would be stopped by all means. "People have more expectations from the Aam Aadmi Party, every effort will be made to fulfill their expectations, " he added. He said that the focus would be on finding resources so that the government exchequer could be replenished.
HELD MAIDEN MEETING, ASKS FOR MORE TRANSPARENCY IN THE FUNCTIONING
Immediately after assuming office, Transport Minister S. Laljit Singh Bhullar held maiden meeting with the top officials of the Transport department and reviewed the functioning of the department.
Mr. Bhullar directed the officers to ensure timely delivery of the services being provided by the department to the general public besides bringing more transparency in the functioning of the department.
The Minister categorically directed that the buses must stop at the dedicated counters inside the bus stands and strict departmental action must be taken against the erring employee.
Principal Secretary Transport Mr. K. Siva Prasad, STC Mr. Vimal Kumar Setia, Director Transport-cum-MD PUNBUS Ms. Amandeep Kaur, MD PRTC Ms. Parneet Shergill were present in the meeting.