In a surprise check of Patiala District Transport Office, conducted by Punjab Transport Minister Ajit Singh Kohar on Monday, the district transport officer (DTO), assistant district transport officer (ADTO), and 15 other officials were found absent from duty.
Taking strong exception to the “careless” attitude of the DTO office staff towards their duty, the Minister ordered departmental action against the erring officials. Kohar has also asked the senior officers to seek written explanation of the absentees. “As this is a public dealing office, such approach on part of the staff would not be tolerated,” said Kohar, while directing to ensure the presence of officials between 9 am and 5 pm, so that nobody should suffer resulting in delay in their genuine works.
later, Kohar also inspected the office of smart card company, which is responsible for issuing smart cards for registration and licenses, situated in the premises of DTO office. The Minister found four out of total eight employees absent from the duty and those who were present could not produce their identity cards. The move came after the Minister received numerous complaints about the irregularity of DTO staff resulting in inordinate delay in routine
services.”The complaints regarding the absence of the officers or employees were pouring in, which necessitated the today’s surprise raid in DTO office Patiala. The department would not tolerate any kind of laxity in the official work and punctuality and accountability of officers and employees would be strictly ensured,” he said. Kohar said that he would continue to make surprise visits to these offices to have direct feedback from the stakeholders.