Punjab Transport Minister Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, on Thursday, again vowed for the absolute transparency in the working of the department and zero tolerance policy towards the defaulters defrauding the government coffers.
Addressing a press conference for highlighting achievements of his 21 days as the Transport Minister here at Punjab Bhawan, Raja Warring said that it is proud moment that the transport department is again gaining momentum with an increase of 17.24 per cent in income, which amounts to Rs.7.98 crores up till October 15. He informed that the collection of the Govt Buses Punjab Roadways and PRTC was Rs.46.28 Crore between September 15 to 30 and increased to Rs.54.26 Crore between the period of October 1 to October 15, saying that daily collection of transport department has been increased Rs.53 lac approximately.
Terming the action against tax defaulters and illegal permits holders as Justifiable, Raja Warring said that it was necessitated to separate the wheat from the chaff for reinstating people trust as the tax which the defaulters bus operators have been evading for the last 10 months, has already been collected by them from passengers in the form of tickets.
The Transport Minister disclosed that around 258 buses have been impounded/Challaned so far due to non payment of taxes, illegal permits, documents etc. And, after strictness against defaulters, the department has collected Rs.3.29 crore as part of pending government tax and majority of the amount deposited by the big companies/operators.
Mr. Raja Warring clarified, “No leader even from opposition parties has claimed that we did anything wrong by adopting harshness against tax defaulters.”
He said that the department has conferred more powers to General Managers of Bus Depots. Apart from RTAs, now General Managers have been empowered to check the vehicles in the 500 meters surrounding area of the Bus stand.
RS.400 crore FOR NEW BUS STANDS/WORKSHOPS AND UPGRADATION
Amarinder Singh Raja Warring informed that Rs.400 Crore will be incurred on the new bus stands/workshops and for upgradation. Of which, 52 new bus stands will be constructed with Rs.230 Crore, while 70 bus stands to be upgraded with a cost of Rs.45 Crore. Similarly, Rs.81 crore will be spent on new construction and upgradation of 16 Workshops.
