The Garo Students’ Union (GSU) Southern Zone has written to the Deputy Commissioner of South Garo Hills seeking the induction of a full-fledged District Transport Officer (DTO) for the district.
Furthermore, the pressure group also questioned the continued increase in transport fares despite the Covid-19 situation normalizing in the state.
“There have been numerous complaints by people on the style of functioning of the DTO office. The DTO is unavailable even during normal working days due to his dual charge. Moreover, even the staff are neglecting their duties. It has also been found out that even the computers required for normal function of the office are either old or non-functional,” said President of the unit, Chuang Hauser Sangma.
The NGO contended that this had led to many residents being deprived of normal services due to the absence of the DTO throughout the year.
The DTO of West Garo Hills has also been given the charge of handling South Garo Hills, a role that he has been fulfilling for the past three years now. This comes despite the fact that there are officers who are eligible for promotion to the role but have been denied promotion.
The NGO also added that a full-fledged District Sports Officer (DSO) was also required.
On the question of fare hikes, the GSU questioned as to why rates were still increasing when the situation in the state has become more or less normal.
“The fares still continue to be higher than post the start of the lockdown and transporters are exploiting the people of the district through a huge hike in fares that has continued even now. The prices have doubled with people travelling normally without social distancing. The continued hike in prices is condemnable and authorities responsible should act on the matter at the earliest,” said Sangma.
