Anomalies in functioning of SPTS buses

SHILLONG: There are allegations against the State Government for bye-passing the conditions of commercials vehicles as per the Motor vehicle act, as claimed by Egenstar Kurkalang, state president BJP Yuva Morcha.
Kurkalang had met State Commissioner of Transport, PW Ingty on Thursday and apprise him of the violation of the act by the Government as to the operation of SPTS buses and Maxi Cabs under the JHNNURM scheme and the exemption of taxes by the vehicles.
Speaking to reporters, he said that Ingty has assured him that he will examine the matter.
He said, “It is surprising that the transport department has exempted the vehicles from paying taxes as well as the passenger tax, professional tax, insurance, MLMTU and others.”
“Moreover the fare charges are higher as compared to the private buses,” he added.
As to the number of SPTS buses and maxi cabs lying idle, he observed it is wastage of public money.
“Till date the Government does not have a workshop to repair the vehicles,” he said.
Kurkalang question the manner in which the government buses and maxi cabs are operating and claimed that these vehicles usually escape the harassment of the traffic police.