Staff Correspondent
Port Blair, June 02: Answering the Andaman Sheekha’s questions on the subject of Grounding MPLAD buses the Member of Parliament, Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray today said that such act is nothing but a conspiracy to defame the name of the Member of Parliament. On this topic the MP replied to following questions.
Q: Are you aware that Buses purchased under MPLAD funds have been grounded by some Panchayats?
A: This is nothing but a Conspiracy. The concerned panchayats want to defame the name of the Member of Parliament. They must be thinking that why should we run buses, which have been supplied by the BJP MP. When some Panchayats like Tushnabad, Billyground and Chainpur can run these Buses and earn profit why can’t other Panchayat do so?
Q: Do you buy the explanation of concerned panchayats that they are not earning money even for the payment of drivers and conductors?
A: Take the example of Tushnabad Panchayat. The bus is run very professionally and the Panchayat is earning money. The Pradhan of Chainpur is a lady and she belongs to Ranchi Community but still the Panchayat runs the bus very professionally. Moreover, in public service why should we worry about profit? The buses were handed over to the Panchayat Secretary of concerned panchayat only after an affidavit was submitted by concerned Panchayat Secretary that the buses will be run and maintained with the Grant-in-Aid fund but that is not being done. When Tractors can be run and maintained under GIA fund, why not these buses? Moreover, there is no point talking about profit. Does the Transport Department is earning profit from the STS buses? Does the Marine Department is earning profit from the vessels? This is for the service of public.
Q: According to you what could be the possible solution to this problem?
A: This is gross wastage of money and Deputy Commissioner of the concerned district is accountable for this. When Panchayat Secretary submits an affidavit that these Buses will be maintained and run by the Panchayat then the DC must check whether this is done or not.
