Tarun Karthick
Campbell Bay, 16 January 2023
Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, Former Member of Parliament, Andaman and Nicobar Islands during his tenure had purchased several buses out of MPLAD Fund for various Panchayats and Panchayat Samitis. Panchayati Raj Institutions initially tried operating these buses but eventually had to shut down the operations due to various reasons.
The primary reason to shut down the operations of the buses was lack of funds for operation and maintenance.
Many such buses are currently parked and rotting away in various villages throughout Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
These buses could have been utilised for various purposes by the Panchayati Raj Institutions and the Administration, but instead, these expensive assets are left to rot without much initiative from any department.
Many such buses are now beyond repair, but several buses can still be used after proper repairs. Andaman and Nicobar Administration and Panchayati Raj Institutions can lease such buses to individuals, Self Help Groups, Cooperative Societies etc. after repair and obtaining the required permits.
Leasing such buses would generate employment in rural areas and the assets procured out of public money will at least be utilised. Such buses can also be properly auctioned to the highest bidder and the funds obtained through the auction of the asset can be utilised for various developmental work by the Panchayati Raj Institutions.