Shun red-tapism to ensure speedy disposal of public grievances: Akhoon

Shun Red Tapism to ensure speedy disposal of issues related to public welfare and feedback and suggestions of the public and related association are essential for incorporating the improvements in the working of the Department”. This was stated by the Minister for Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution and Transport, Mr. Qamar Ali Akhoon in a meeting held with the officers of the Transport Department and members of various transport associations. Minister of State for Transport, Mr. Shabir Ahmad Khan was also present in the meeting.Among others the meeting was attended by Commissioner/Secretary Transport, Mr. Abdul Hamid, Director General, State Motor Garages, Transport Commissioner, Managing Director SRTC, RTOs and ARTOs and other officers from Transport Department. The Minister while addressing the meeting exhorted the officers to ensure transparency and utmost efficiency in carrying out the functioning of the department. He said that there is a need for bringing about positive transformation in the work culture to avoid unnecessary delays which bring about a bad name to the department. He said that a change in approach has to be percolated from top to bottom in the administrative system so that better accountability can be expected from field functionaries. He has directed the officers to expedite the file disposal in their offices and ensure no file stays on their table for more than a day. While interacting with the members of the Transport association, he said that the associations have to collectively focus on the core problems in consultation with the administration for revamping the transport system in the state. He said that individual interests have to be kept aside and viable solution have to be chalked out for strengthening the transport system and people associated with it. Mr. Akhoon said that public welfare should be the main motive behind policy planning and implementation. The representative of the Transport Association have put forth various problems they are facing which include irrational issuance of large number of permits, stressing on equitable permit distribution, operation of state carriage as contract carriages. Charge of high adda fees, overloading, setting up of single clearance window at Lakhanpur. Problem of entry tax on body fabrication of passanger and goods carrier and issuance of permits and LTV licences to autorickshaw drivers. They also demanded upgradation of RTO office for smooth functioning of the Department. There other important demand included relief for transporter who have suffered loses during the agitation period, setting up of parking and terminal points for minibuses etc. Regarding some of these issues, the Minister issued on spot directions to the concerned officers. Commissioner/Secretary Transport, Mr. Abdul Hamid said that department will take all the steps to mitigate the problems being faced by the transporters. Mr. Akhoon has directed the Transport Commissioner to remain available from 2 to 4 p.m. for meeting the members of association for redressal of their grievances. He also gave on spot instructions to the officers for streamlining the function of the department. He has assured the association that their interests will be protected and all necessary actions will be taken for their economic upliftmenMr. Shabir Ahmed Khan While speaking on the occasion said that the government is aware of the problems of transporters and all necessary action will be taken to provide relief to them. He said that the association have to work in coordination with the government for identifying and plugging the loopholes in the system.