Kullu: As many as 13 people died when a private bus number HP49A 7981going towards Sainj met with an accident at Talada, 38 kilometers from Kullu today, according to information reaching the State headquarters.
About 40 people were injured out of which five persons who were seriously injured had been referred to IGMC, Shimla and one person to PGI, Chandigarh.
The deceased were identified as Man Singh S/o Shri Ramdhan, Thalaut, Dola Singh S/o Shri Bhoop Singh, Mohlu Panjai, Sunita Sood, Teacher in Kendriya Vidayala, Sainj, Dev Raj S/o Shri Karam Chand Thalaut, Manbahadur, Nepali, Panarsa, Ramesh Chand S/o Shri Paras Ram, Kandi Banjar, Dave Ram S/o Shri Dawale Ram, Shalanala, Aut, Om Chand S/o Shri Sher Singh, Banala Aut, Subhash S/o Shri Fateh Ram, Kartah Sainj, Kashi Ram, Peon, PHC Sainj, Gorakhu Ram, Baijnath and Tipurari, Bihar whereas one deceased person could not be identified.
Deputy Commissioner, Kullu Shri Chamel Singh released an immediate relief of Rs. 5,000 each to the next of kin of the deceased and those who were referred to Hospitals for treatment.
Transport Minister took a serious view of the increase in the accidents of private stage carriage buses and directed the Transport Department to conduct an intensive checking of Driving License besides medical tests of drivers of private stage carriage buses in the District Hospital in a phased manner and added that the drivers shall be sent for refresher course in authorized transport driving training schools.
He said that a Technical Committee consisting of Divisional Manager (HRTC), Dharamsala, Manager Technical (HRTC), Mandi and Motor Vehicle Inspector, Kullu would inquire into the causes of accident and submit the report within three days so that action can be initiated against the defaulter.
I think our govt is not striving on these accidents. Just announcing the Ex-Gratia to kins of victims and try to parry from responsibilities. There is no check and specific rules are imposed on private buses, about divers past record, about the condition of buses, and about their timings.
Here in Shimla, i found that some teenager drivers drive buses. Surprising, very often bus conductors try their hands in driving and nobodies here to look after.
But do u know the reason, why it happens frequently?????
Each private bus operator has associated with some political party and pays a huge amount of money, during election. Private buses often used in political rallies. Therefore the answer is simple……. that why they find shelter. Its is all about vote bank……… and public is always cheated.
Here, my prime concern is that govt must initiate regular inspections and the keep the privious records of divers.