ROADTRIP: Funding non-existing organisations?

Mr S K Dash IAS
Joint Secretary
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
Government of India
New Delhi
Tel: 2371 7294

Dear Sir,
Re: Driver Training Programme Under Government Funding - Bonafides of beneficiary
Greeting.

I invite your attention to RT-25019/2/2005-RS (Part III) dated 31 March 2011 issued by Mr Anand Prakash, Director (RT) and Designated Officer (de facto PIO) in your ministry. Mr Prakash was responding to Mr Chittaranjan Das, Secretary General, All India Confederation of Goods Vehicles Owners Association application dated February 25, 2011. Mr Prakash has marked a copy of his response to you as well and indicated that you are the first appellate authority in this case. Hence this missive to you.

Just to refresh your memory, Mr Prakash has given a list of names of eminent organisations that would be receiving government funding in the near future for “conducting refresher training programmes for HMV drivers”.

One such name listed was Karnataka Goods Transporters’ Welfare Association, 85, First Floor, Gangama Rangasetty complex, Third Main, First Cross, Tharagupet, Bangalore 560002.

On 16 May 2011, I happened to be in Bangaluru and decided to catch up with the office bearers of the Karnataka Goods Transporters’ Welfare Association. Therefore, I visited the premises mentioned in Mr Prakash’s letter to Dass.

To my utter dismay and disappointment, I found that the so called “eminent organisation” enlisted by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways for imparting refresher training programme for HMV drivers DID NOT exist at all. A thorough enquiry with the occupants of the building where several lorry transport agents operate in this predominantly transport hub revealed that even they have never heard of this organisation.

Mr Srinivasa Rao, Secretary of Bangalore City Lorry Transport Agents’ Association, who operates from the same area also stated that he has heard the name of Karnataka Goods Transporters’ Welfare Association for the first time from me.

Given the fact that the public fund is being earmarked for utilisation for a purported useful cause, I reckon it is of utmost importance that this financial assistance should reach the needy and genuine organisation.

I am sure the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has done its “due diligence” before deciding to confer the “eminent organisation” status on Karnataka Goods Transporters’ Welfare Association.

May I request you, Sir, to look into your records and check the veracity of statements and documents submitted by Karnataka Goods Transporters’ Welfare Assocation to become “eligible” for government funding.

I will appreciate an acknowledgement of this mail and later when whatever action is being initiated.

I am currently touring through India on heavy commercial vehicles to understand the logistical challenges on the national highways and examine the support system HMV drivers receive while on duty from various stakeholders.

I am Delhi-based and will surely call on you on my return in mid-June.

Warm regards

Ramesh Kumar
Consulting Editor
Saarc Journal of Transport & Logistics Times
New Delhi, India

Copy to:
Hon’ble Minister Dr C P Joshi, Minister for Road Transport & Highways
Govt of India, New Delhi
The Prime Minister’s Office, New Delhi