Ronnie blames former principal secretary Naik for mess, vows action against private operators
SHILLONG: Urban Affairs Minister Ronnie V. Lyngdoh has blamed former principal secretary of the department P. Naik for the current mess in the functioning of SPTS buses, many of which are in a decrepit condition. The minister also said the vehicles, if need be, could be auctioned before their value depreciates. Speaking to media persons here on Tuesday, Lyngdoh recalled that in a meeting convened by late urban affairs minister FS Cajee to discuss the operation of the buses, he had an argument with Naik. “The then principal secretary had already taken a decision to hand over the buses even before the meeting could take place,” he said, adding that he was taken aback by Naik’s move, but the decision prevailed as the late minister did not questioned the official. The STPS bus service was run by MTC for a year after which it was handed over to self-help groups. Lyngdoh questioned the decision to cancel the agreement with Meghalaya Transport Corporation, which was operating the buses, even as the State PSU had not violated the terms of the agreement. “MTC was keeping 70 per cent revenue and MUDA 30 per cent and there was no violation of the agreement. Then why was it terminated,” he said. The minister wondered why a senior bureaucrat did not favour a state PSU like MTC that was financially weak and could have gained from the bus service. Lyngdoh said he would soon hold a review meeting with the additional chief secretary in charge Transport to look into the issues. He also assured action against all those who are responsible for “the present mess” after going through the agreement signed with the self-help groups. “If they (private operators) have violated any terms of the agreement, action will be taken”. The minister further said the department would take a final decision on the fate of the irreparable buses after the review meeting. “If need be, we will auction these buses as delaying it will further bring down its value,” he added. Many STPS buses, which were sanctioned by the Centre, are in poor condition owing to lack of maintenance.