Day after bus plunge, state pays lip service

TNN / Apr 6, 2008, 02:58 IST

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Day after bus plunge, state pays lip service

KOLKATA: A day after the Bagjola canal bus plunge left 20 people dead, the state machinery rumbled into action. While the driver was arrested, transport minister Subhas Chakraborty visited the morgue and promised compensation. Each bereaved family will now get Rs 1.25 lakh from different quarters.
But don't let these steps fool you. As always, the government is only paying lip service to sort out the transport mess.Chakraborty didn't utter a word on cracking down on errant drivers and helpers.
Swapan Sarkar (42), the killer driver, was arrested from Dum Dum, but there's little chance he will be taken to task. He's been slapped with a homicide charge, but it's only a matter of time before he slips out. Till the commission system is tackled, more people will lose their lives.
Chief Secretary A K Deb and transport secretary Sumantra Chowdhury came out with oft-repeated promises on Saturday. Deb said the government is examining the proposal to do away with the commission system and trying to bring all buses �� state-owned and private �� under one umbrella.

"The proposal has many implications. It won't put an end to the mad race on roads,"said Deb, whose government has been toying with several such proposals for a year or more.
Chowdhury's response was hardly better: "Our minister is thinking over ways to tackle the problem. We have to talk and find a solution"
Even the North 24-Parganas police didn't sound assuring. "The commission system has to be abolished to prevent rash driving. The syndicates should conduct health check-ups for all drivers in the morning and check the condition of the buses,"said a police officer.
Bengal Bus Syndicate's Swarnakamal Saha was quick to blame the government. "I see no solution unless the government limits the number of buses on a particular route,"he said.

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