Two-member delegation led by STC Karnataka visits Punjab to study transport reforms

Chandigarh, August 14, 2013: A two-member delegation led by Karnataka Transport Commissioner Maruti Sambrani today called on the Punjab Transport Commissioner Harjit Singh to study the good practices and reforms initiated in the State Transport Department so that these could be replicated in Karnataka.

Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of the Punjab Government said that the visiting delegation was highly impressed by the implementation of the e-governance in the transport department. The STC Punjab apprised the team that now Punjab has been ranked No. 2 from 17th position in 2010-11 on all India basis with regard to the implementation of transport reforms to bring overall improvement and efficiency in the functioning of transport department.

Lauding the e-governance reforms implemented by the state transport department, the delegation said that they would also soon implement these reforms in Karnataka so as to enhance the efficiency and profitability of transport sector.

Meanwhile, the Additional State Transport Commissioner Harmail Singh informed the delegation that the Punjab transport department had already taken path breaking initiatives like dealer point registration, online tax payment, smart card driving license and they would soon launch a scheme for issuing learner driving license on the basis of compulsory computerized test, in which the applicant would be required to secure at least 60 marks out of 100 as an eligibility criteria for securing learner driving license. He also told them that not only the State Transport Commissioners of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh had visited the state to study Punjab Transport Model but also a high level delegation from Kenya also came for this purpose.

The delegation also assured the senior officers of the transport department that they would on their return, apprise the higher authorities and recommend the desired reforms to be implemented so as to put the Karnataka State Transport on strong footing.

Regional Transport Officer from Karnataka Ashfaq Ahmed was also the part of the delegation.