The lackadaisical attitude of the transport authorities once again came to the fore, when a number of buses without a proper fitness clearance certificate were found plying on roads, thus, putting lives of thousands of daily travellers at risk.
According to the sources, a number of Punjab Roadways buses have been plying on roads without undergoing the due process of fitness clearance.
A top official from Punjab roadways, requesting anonymity, said, "Except 10 buses, which ply under the kilometer scheme, all 117 buses of Punjab roadways are plying without a legitimate fitness certificate."
It has been learnt that the ill-practice of issuing fake fitness certificates has been going unchecked for more than a year now.
The official said, "The original fitness certificate includes:details of job card, date, defect, spare part issued, name of the person who rectified it, time spent and the signature of the head mechanic, who gives a final go ahead. Whereas the fake fitness certificate carries only the details like vehicle number, problem in the vehicle and the signature of the head mechanic."
The role of a fitness certificate is of paramount significance, as it validates that a bus is fit enough to ply on road, and if some snag is identified, then the particular vehicle is mended before issuing a fitness certificate.
{{/usCountry}}The role of a fitness certificate is of paramount significance, as it validates that a bus is fit enough to ply on road, and if some snag is identified, then the particular vehicle is mended before issuing a fitness certificate.
{{/usCountry}}Rashpal Singh, general manager of the Punjab Roadways Transport Corporation, said, "No such issue has come to my notice. If there is any irregularity in terms of certificate issuance, it will be duly dealt with at the earliest."