PM instructs minister to end transport syndicate

Published On: July 12, 2018 05:15 AM NPT

KATHMANDU, July 12: Prime Minister KP Oli has expressed concerns over the failure of the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transportation to take necessary measures to fully end syndicate in public transportation.

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Oli summoned Transportation Minister Raghubir Mahaseth, Secretary Madhusudhan Adhikari and other officials of the ministry to his office after the government move to end syndicate in public transport two months ago failed to make visible impact and provide relief to the public.

In May, public transport operators and the ministry had formally agreed to end syndicate in the transport sector. Under the agreement, the transport operators would register their businesses under the Companies Act. Two months have passed but the ministry has yet to devise new standards and criteria for the management and regulation of the public transport sector. Similarly, Minister Mahaseth has been accused of giving protection to transportation operators.

Prime Minister Oli directed the ministry to take necessary measures to bring public transportation under the Companies Act and make the sector responsible effective and efficient so that the practice of syndicate in the transport sector ends completely.

He directed the ministry to come up with a work plan to make public transportation passengers-friendly by ending syndicate as soon as possible.

Right after striking an agreement with transport entrepreneurs in May, the ministry had formed a seven-member taskforce led by a joint-secretary at the ministry and given a 30-day deadline to recommend measures to implement all the provisions envisioned in the existing laws like reservation seats in public vehicles, safety provisions, and dress code for drivers and bus helps, among others. But the taskforce has not yet submitted its report.

Minister Mahaseth informed the prime minister that the taskforce is all set to submit its report by the next week and the ministry will start taking necessary measures based on the taskforce’s report. He pledged to the prime minister that the ministry will do all to end syndicate in public transport sector.