Poor service and operation of heavily damaged buses in rural areas figured in the District Panchayat Council meeting held here on Wednesday.
Raising the issue at the meeting, Y. Jecob Satha alleged that condemned buses were operated in rural areas in the district and in one instance a driver had to cover himself with a vinyl sheet when it rained. Buses that were not fit to ply on the roads were allowed to operate by the regional transport authorities, Mr. Satha alleged. He wanted new vehicles to be operated on town bus routes, as many schoolchildren, office-goers and workers were put to hardship due to frequent breakdowns during peak hours.
Another member, M. Johnsilin Vijitha of Rajakkamangalam, alleged that circular route buses were parked blocking other buses plying on rural routes in Parvathipuram bus stand.
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Replying to her allegations, C. Mahadevan, Assistant Manager, TNSTC, said that an official had been appointed at the bus stand to regulate parking of buses.
District Social Welfare Officer K. Uma Maheshwari said that gold coins and marriage assistance had been distributed to 4631 beneficiaries in Kanyakumari and a fresh allotment of 1150 gold coins received as on March 31. Members also complained that the authorities deleted names of many genuine beneficiaries from old age pension register during verification.
They also alleged that officials rejected applications for new ration cards saying that the applicant’s house had no power connection.
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M.S. Sarathamani, Chairperson, presided.