Assuming additional charge of the Ministry of Railways for the second time in just about six months, Minister of Road Transport and Highways C.P. Joshi on Monday promised to correct the trust deficit that had affected the organisation in the wake of the bribery scam now being probed by the CBI.
Talking to reporters, Dr. Joshi said he was aware of the setback suffered by the 14 lakh staff members and would initiate measures to restore their morale to ensure that they continue to work with dedication and ensure the safety of trains and passengers.
Dr. Joshi filled in the vacancy caused by the resignation of Pawan Kumar Bansal as Railway Minister following the arrest of his nephew Vijay Singla for having allegedly accepted a bribe from Mahesh Kumar, Member Staff, for a more lucrative post in the Railway Board.
This will be Dr. Joshi’s second stint at the Ministry with additional charge — he had held the portfolio before being replaced by Mr. Bansal last October upon the Trinamool Congress’ exit from the UPA.
Dr. Joshi laid stress on transparency in discharge of duty at the Rail Bhavan. This carries significance in the light of the fact that the crucial posts of Chairman, Member Traffic and Member Finance need to be filled in less than two months, on the retirement of Vinay Mittal, who holds the additional charge of Member Traffic, and Finance Commissioner Vijaya Kanth.
The post of Member Staff too is vacant following the arrest and suspension of Mahesh Kumar.
