Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar
Punjab Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar has taken a big step towards enforcing rules and providing equal opportunities to all in the transport sector. The government has ordered comprehensive verification of all Composite Permits (CPs) issued under Rule 80-A of the Punjab Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989. The action is aimed at addressing the issues of illegal clubbing and malpractices in the use of stage carriage permits in the transport sector.
Emphasizing the need to issue a single joint permit instead of a group of several CP permits, the Transport Minister issued a clear instruction to the authorities to ensure proper legal procedures for permits in violation of Rule 80-A and restore their actual status.
The monopoly of the big bus operators will end
Laljit Singh Bhullar said that the main objective of this action is to end the monopoly of big bus operators and prevent malpractices in the transport sector. “Our aim is to end the unfair benefits enjoyed by some large transport operators through illegal clubbing of permits,” he said. He said the move would create a more level playing field for small and medium bus operators, give everyone equal opportunities to run their business without discrimination in the transport sector and further improve public services.
Irregularities were found in the investigation
Highlighting the seriousness of the situation arising from illegal clubbing of permits, Bhullar said that the investigation also revealed many cases where permits were not only illegally clubbed but also issued outside the jurisdiction of the concerned authority. He said the transport department has found several irregularities in the sector, such as clubbing of inappropriate permits for different routes, obtaining multiple joint permits by showing one company and including extra return journeys instead of mandatorily assigning return journeys.
Instruction to follow rules
In view of these violations, the Cabinet Minister has directed all Regional Transport Authority (RTA) Secretaries to check the number of CPs in their jurisdiction. Thoroughly scrutinize permits, ensure strict compliance with Rule 80-A and include only eligible permits in the Joint Schedule by issuing appropriate clarifications. He said that this action is very necessary to ensure smooth business operation and compliance of Punjab transport rules for all bus operators.
