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MINUTES OF THE 172ND

MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE

ASSAM STATE TRANSPORT CORPORATION HELD ON 06.06.2017 AT 10.30 AM

IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF ASSAM SECRETARIAT, D-BLOCK, 4TH

FLOOR, DISPUR, GUWAHATI-6.

_____

Present –

1. Shri Ashutosh Agnihotri IAS,

Commissioner & Secretary to the Government

of Assam, Transport Department .... Chairman.

2. Shri A. P. Tiwari IPS,

Managing Director, ASTC .... Member-Secretary.

3. Shri Sanat Kalita ACS,

Commissioner & Secretary to the Government

of Assam, Public Enterprises Department .... Member.

4. Commissioner & Special Secretary to the Government

of Assam, Public Works Roads Department

Represented by Shri D.Gogoi, Chief Engineer, ASRD .... Member.

5. Shri Arabinda Barman,

Deputy Secretary to the Government of Assam,

Finance (IF), (Legal Cell) Department .... Member.

6. Shri Dwijen Lahkar,

General Secretary, State Transport Workers’Association .... Member.

At the outset MD welcomed the Members of the Board and stated that he has a

number of issues for this Board meeting to discuss. MD stated that during last 8 months,

ASTC has been able to reduce revenue gap, earning has been increased by Rs.25.00 lakh by

intensifying vigilance, income from PoB share has increased from 10% to 20%, additional

revenue to the tune of Rs.10 crore per year is expected from advertisement and non-traffic

related operation and other new activities. Old practice of manually collecting rent from

Shops / Stalls etc. are being replaced by introducing a Customised software. The whole

process will be automated from generation of demands to online realisation of the rents. The

new process is expected to raise the revenue collection from existing average of Rs. 10 Lakhs

to Rs.60/70 lakh.

State Government has provided fund of Rs.5.00 crore for repair of shut-down buses

through manufacturers. ASTC has already repaired more than 60 buses and pressed into

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service. But repair work is not up-to expectation due to confusion in implementation of GST.

The dealers are also facing problem in supply of tyres, spare parts etc. Volvo Bus operation

under PPP model is also lagging behind for GST problem. M.D. requested the Board to

consider the agenda items placed before the Board in today’s meeting and take decisions.

Then the Board took up the agenda items for consideration.

Item No. 1 : Confirmation of the Minutes of the 171th

meeting of the Board of Directors

held on 05.12.2016.

The Members of the Board of Directors went through the Minutes of the

171st meeting of the Board of Directors held on 05.12.2016 as placed in the meeting and

confirmed the same.

Item No. 2 : Actions taken on the decisions taken in the l71st meeting of the Board held

on 05.12.2016.

The Board of Directors noted the actions taken report on the decisions of the

previous meeting. While considering the Actions taken report, M.D. stated that ASTC has

about 50 drivers (Contractual), who were engaged as Trainee Drivers during 2003 and they

are paid a fixed remuneration of Rs..8,000/- only per month. Their case deserves

consideration for regular appointment. Similarly some persons were engaged as part time

workers, who are mostly dependents of deceased employees of ASTC, during the period from

1989 to 1997. They are paid Rs.3,000/- to Rs.6,000/- per month and their case also deserves

for regular appointment. Their number is 43. M.D. further stated that both the said categories

are working against vacant posts and suggested that these persons may perhaps be considered

for their regular appointment. The Board of Directors discussed over the matter and also

considered the M.D.’s suggestion and decided that the said persons may be given regular

appointment against vacant posts for which all norms and rules will have to be followed by

the Corporation.

Item No. 3 : Review of Financial Performance.

The financial performance of the Corporation as placed in the meeting was

seen by the Board of Directors.

Item No. 4 : Review of Traffic Performance.

The traffic performance of the Corporation as placed in the meeting was

seen by the Board of Directors.

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Item No. 5 : Review of Engineering Performance.

The engineering performance of the Corporation as placed in the meeting

was seen by the Board of Directors.

Item No. 6 : Consideration and approval of the Balance Sheet for the financial year

2015-16.

The Board of Directors considered the Balance Sheet and Profit and Loss

Account for the financial year 2015-16 of the Corporation and observed that the Balance

sheet should be first certified by the registered C.A. for acceptance of the same by the Board

for adoption and submission to the A.G. for audit. The Board directed to resubmit the

Balance sheet and Profit and Loss Account for the financial year 2015-16 after getting

certified by a Registered Chartered Accountant for consideration and acceptance.

Item No. 7 : Consideration and approval of Annual Budget for the year 2017-18.

The Board went through the Annual Budget of the Corporation for the

year 2017-2018 and observed that the Budget carries wrong picture and disparity in both

receipts and expenditures. The Board therefore directed to prepare the budget correctly and

resubmit the same in the next meeting of the Board for consideration and approval.

Item No. 8 : Consideration of re-imbursement of medical expenses of contractual

employees in case of accident on duty.

The Board considered the proposal for re-imbursement of medical

expenses of contractual employees in case of accident caused on duty and decided that full

medical expenses will be reimbursed to the contractual employees in case of accident caused

on duty.

Item No. 9 : Medical leave of Contractual employees in case of accident on duty or

serious illness for 60 days.

The Board considered the proposal for granting medical leave to the

contractual employees in case of accident on duty or serious illness and decided that medical

leave will be granted maximum of 30 days for contractual employees in case of accident on

duty or serious illness, which will be granted by M.D. to avoid misuse. If the leave exceeds

30 days then the matter will have to be placed before the Board for consideration.

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Item No. 10: Special Leave for contractual employees for 30 days.

The Board considered the proposal for granting special leave to the

contractual employees. But the Board was of the view that special leave cannot be granted to

contractual employees normally as per rule and if it is granted it will create precedence. So

the Board did not want to create precedence and however advised M.D. to submit proposal to

the Transport Department for examination and consideration.

Item No. 11 : Creation of Contingency Fund of Rs.10.00 lakh to assist employees in

adverse situation or to meet with any eventuality or any other situation.

The Board considered the proposal for creation of Contingency fund

of Rs.10.00 lakh to assist employees in adverse situation or to meet with any eventuality or

any other situation. The Board appreciated the idea put forwarded in the proposal to assist the

employees in adverse situation. However, the Board advised M.D. to frame guidelines for

this matter and put up to Board for consideration.

Item No. 12 : New Construction Policy.

MD stated that ASTC has vacant land in most of the Stations located

in prime locations throughout the State. ASTC has proposed to construct commercial

complexes in the vacant land by collecting money from the probable customers inviting EOI

for the purpose of outsourcing the same to the customers to generate additional revenue for

the Corporation. The customers will have to deposit registration fee of Rs.50,000/- and

Security Deposit of Rs.2.00 lakh and an advance rent of Rs.50,000/- for the commercial

complex, which will be adjusted against 50% of the rent every month. For this purpose 68

stations have already been selected in the first phase. The commercial complexes will be

designed keeping “Swachh Bharat” in mind. In this year, construction of 68 complexes will

be started and allotment will be given on first come first serve basis. The Board considered

the proposal and approved the same for implementation. The Chairman advised M.D. to

examine the feasibility of development of ASTC Rupnagar complex as revenue generating

centre.

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Item No. 13 : Pending payments against complete and incomplete Civil Construction

works.

M.D. stated that a number of civil construction projects were

undertaken by ASTC during last five years, out of which some are completed and some are

in incomplete stage. Against these projects payment to the tune of about Rs.26.00 crores is

outstanding, as the sanctioned amount against these projects have been diverted by earlier

M.D., Shri K.N.Chetia for payment of salary. The Board deliberated on the matter and

advised M.D. to take over the completed projects and to approach Finance Department for

fund to complete the incomplete works. Further the Board advised M.D. to ask the

contractors to start the work of the projects which completed 50% of the works and to go for

re-allotment of work for remaining projects which have not been completed even 50% of the

work.

Item No. 14 : Restructuring of ASTC’s Administrative Set up.

The Board deliberated on the proposal for restructuring of ASTC’s

Administrative Set up and was of the view that number of General Managers as proposed,

which is 8 nos., is too high. As per the Board there may be Asst. Managing Director, GM

(HR), GM (Finance), GM (Operation), GM (Business Development), DGM (Law),

DGM(IT), which was approved. The Board was further of the view that the matter will need

further examination and advised M.D. to study the pattern of administrative set up of other

Road Transport Corporations and to put up before the Board for consideration.

Item No. 15 : Association of Private Owned Buses : New Policy.

M.D. stated that some modifications are proposed in the existing

policy of operation of private owned buses under ASTC to attract more private owned buses

to operate under banner of ASTC, which would increase the income of ASTC from private

owned buses.. The modified policy is also placed before the Board for consideration. As per

the modified policy the name of the policy would be “Association of Private Owned Buses”

instead of the Private Owned Buses under ASTC. As per the modified policy the rate of

Registration Fee, Security Deposit and Operation Fee is proposed as below, which will be

revised in the event of revision of bus fare by the Government of Assam –

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Sl.

No.

Bus/Service Type Fare per

passenger per

KM fixed by

Govt.

Registration

Fee (Rs.)

Security

Deposit (Rs.)

Operating

Fee per KM

Payable to

ASTC.

1 Ordinary Stage

Carriage

Re. 0.79 10,000 10,000 Re. 0.80

2 Long Distance Stage

Carriage, Express

buses with limited

Stoppages

Re. 0.86 10,000 10,000 Re. 1.00

3 Deluxe Super Express,

All Assam Tourist

Omnibus, All India

Omnibus (Night

Service)

Rs.1.06 10,000 10,000 Rs.1.10

4 Executive Class (A/C) Rs.1.23 10,000 10,000 Rs.1.20

5 Mini Bus Re.0.75 5,000 5,000 Re.0.70

The Board of Directors considered the modified policy of operation of

private owned bus in association with ASTC and the proposed rates as above and approved

the same for implementation.

Item No. 16 : Engagement of 3(three) nos. staff in the Residential Office of the

Chairman/Managing Director.

The Board considered the proposal for engagement of following 3(three)

nos. of staff each in the Residential Office of the Chairman and the Managing Director:

1. One Cook.

2. One Sweeper.

3. One Assistant.

The Board was of the view that the said staff need not be provided for the

Chairman, but MD may engage the said staff in his residential office from the existing staff.

Item No. 17 : To consider request of Prag News to provide them 4 number of AC Volvo

Buses for use in their Prag Cine Awards North East from 16th

to 19th

June,

2017 at Kokrajhar to promote ASTC as a Brand and Travel Partner.

The Board considered the matter of providing 4 number of AC Volvo

buses for use by them in their Prag Cine Awards North East from 16th

to 19th

June, 2017 to be

held at Kokrajhar to promote ASTC as a Brand and Travel Partner and approved.

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Item No. 18 : Delegation of Power of Appointing, Disciplinary and Leave Granting

Authority.

MD placed before the Board the proposal of delegation of power of

Appointing, Disciplinary and Leave Granting Authority of the Corporation as below –

Sl Cadre of Staff Appointing & Disciplinary Authority

1 All Officers of H.O. and Field Officers of Grade-II upwards viz. D.S., D.E., S.E., S.S., A.E., A.E.(Civil), A.E.(Arch), Accounts Officers, A.P.O. etc.

M.D.

2 All Staff of Grade-II of Technical Department viz. Foreman etc

C.E.(A&T)

3 All Staff of Grade-II of Traffic Department viz. A.S.S. etc

D.G.M.

4 All Staff of Grade-II of Accounts Department viz. Divisional Accounts Officers, I.A. etc

Sr. Dy. C.A.O.

5 All Staff of Grade-III of Field Offices viz. U.D.A. & L.D.A. etc

Respective D.S., D.E. & C.O.S.

6 All Ministerial Staff of Grade-III of Head Office viz. U.D.A. & L.D.A. etc

D.G.M.

7 All Technical Staff of Maintenance Centres & Workshops

Respective D.E.

8 All Traffic Staff of Grade-III viz. Conductors & Drivers etc

Respective D.S.

9 All Staff of Grade-IV of Head Office D.G.M.

10 All Staff of Grade-IV of Field Offices Respective D.S., D.E. & C.O.S.

B. Leave Granting Authority

Sl Cadre of Staff Kind of Leave Leave Granting Authority

1 All Officers of H.O. and Field Officers: S.S. & A.E. upwards

C.L., E.L. & Any other Leave

M.D.

2 All Staff of H.O. from IV Gd. To Superintendents Accounts

C.L. Head of the respective Department

All Staff of H.O. from IV Gd. To Superintendents Accounts

E.L. C.P.O.

3. All Field Non-Gazetted Staff

C.L. Respective Controlling Officers viz. S.S., A.E.

4 All Field Non-Gazetted Staff

E.L. including Commuted Leave

Respective D.D.O. viz. D.S., D.E., C.O.S.

5 All Officers & Staff Special Leave M.D.

The Board considered the proposed revised delegation of power of

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Appointing, Disciplinary and Leave Granting Authority of the Corporation and approved the

same for adoption.

Item No. 19 : Re-organisation of Kamalabari (Majuli) Bus Station of ASTC.

The Board of Directors considered the proposal to transfer the administrative

control of Kamalabari (Majuli) Bus Station of ASTC from Jorhat Division to Majuli Division

and approved the same.

Item No. 20: Infrastructure Development of Kamalabari (Majuli) Bus Station of ASTC.

MD stated that after declaration of Majuli as a district, the importance of

connectivity has also increased. ASTC has proposed to develop the existing Kamalabari

(Majuli) Bus Station of ASTC with bus maintenance facility for providing better public

transport facility to the people of Majuli and for construction of the Bus Station, Government

of Assam has allocated Rs.1.00 crore in the State Budget 2017-18. The Board considered the

matter and approved for early implementation.

Item No. 21 : Creation of new posts of SS & ASS as per requirement.

MD stated that in order to streamline the bus operation up-gradation of the

following stations to that of Assistant Station Superintendent and Station Superintendent is

proposed:

Up-gradation to ASS (29 nos) : Bihpuria, Dholpur, Jonai, Silapathar, Raha, Silghat,

Maibong, Howraghat, Hojai, Samoguri, Dimaruguri, Kaliabor, Hamren, Umrangsu, Teok,

Moriani, Sunpura, Chapakhowa, Jagun, Saikhowa, Chabua, Dibrugarh Flag Station,

Khowang, Sepon, Naharkatia, Demow, Nazira, Gaurisagar, Sivasagar Flag Station.

Up-gradation to Station Superintendent (5 Nos.) : Sonari, Santipur (Sadiya), Doomdooma,

Margherita, Namrup.

Besides the above, it was proposed to create 2(two) more posts of SS for ISBT,

Guwahati and 2(two) more posts of SS for City Service.

The Board considered the proposal for creation of new posts and advised MD

to submit formal proposal for creation of the said posts to the Finance Department for

approval.

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Item No. 22 : New Promotion Policy.

MD stated that in order to develop HR and to improve quality of service

delivery it is proposed to give promotion on the basis of the following criteria-

ACR and training : 50% marks.

Examination : 50% marks.

The Board considered the said proposal and approved the same for adoption.

Item No. 23 : Minimum qualification of Conductors.

M.D. stated that new technology is being adopted in all spheres of functioning

of ASTC including issuing of ticket by the conductors to passengers. In the new system the

Conductors will have to handle latest electronic gadgets in the process of conducting bus

services, for which good educational standard with certain technical skill is necessary.

Therefore, M.D. proposed minimum qualification for recruitment of conductor as Graduate.

The Board of Directors considered the proposal of M.D. and decided that the minimum

qualification for the post of Conductor will be Higher Secondary School Leaving Certificate

passed with computer knowledge and preference will be given to Graduate candidates.

Initially lump sum pay of the Conductor will be Rs.10,000/- per month.

Item No. 24: Recruitment of new Conductors:

M.D. stated that ASTC is facing acute shortage of conductors. Requirement

of conductors is 1770 against existing fleet of 1180 buses @ 1.5 per bus. Currently

ASTC has 336 conductors, who are also in the verge of retirement and incapable of

handling the modern electronic gadgets that are being inducted for e-ticketing in

ASTC. So it is proposed to engage the existing conductors in stations in other works

and to crease 1770 posts of conductors for manning the fleet of 1180 buses. The

Board considered the proposal and decided that recruitment to the vacant posts of

conductor may be made and in case of new posts, a formal proposal is to be submitted

to the Finance Department for approval.

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Item No. 25 : To consider demand of the State Transport Workers’Association for

implementation of the 7th

Revision of Pay Rules.

The Board of Directors considered the demand of the State Transport

Workers’ Association to extend the benefit of the 7th

Revision of Pay Rules in respect of

ASTC employees. The Board was of the view that Revision of Pay Rules may be adopted by

those corporation which are self-sustainable. The rules applicable to other Corporation will

be applicable to ASTC also for revision of pay. Shri Dwijen Lahkar, General Secretary,

STWA, stated that in case of revision of pay ASTC and ASEB are not taken with other

Corporations and ASTC follows the State Government rules in respect to revision of pay. So

he requested the Board of Directors to revise the pay of the employees of ASTC as per

Government ROP Rules. The Board opined that the Board has no objection in granting

revision of pay to the employees of ASTC had there been no financial problem. Further, for

revision of pay of employees of ASTC and other State Government Public Undertakings,

Circular from Finance Department will be necessary. Moreover, the revision of pay will

create additional financial burden on ASTC and so in that case salary support of the

Government will be required. M.D. was advised to submit a proposal to Finance Department

through Transport Department for providing financial support for 3 (three) years for granting

revised salary to the employees of ASTC.

Item No. 26 : Salary of Contractual Employees.

The Board of Directors considered the proposal for payment of salary to

the Contractual employees as per the Payment of Minimum Wages Act and decided in

principle that the contractual employees may be given consolidated salary not less than that

admissible under the Payment of Minimum Wages Act.

Item No. 27 : Creation of posts of Office Assistants (Contractual).

The Board considered the proposal for creation of posts of Office

Assistants (Contractual) and did not agree to the proposal as it would create additional

liability.

Item No. 28 : Loan from Apex Bank.

MD stated that ASTC immediately requires an amount of Rs.25.00 crore

for implementing several innovative schemes including repair of shut-down buses to ensure

better public transport service and to generate more revenue. MD further stated that during

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discussion with Hon’ble Minister, Finance, M.D. was advised to take loan from Apex Bank

and for repayment of the loan, Government would provide fund under supplementary budget.

M.D. has proposed to spend the loan money as follows:

1. Repairing of buses .... Rs. 10.00 crore.

2. Implementation of ITMS .... Rs. 6.00 crore.

3. Knowledge Partner and capacity buikling .... Rs. 5.00 crore.

4. Clearing liabilities of Spare parts supplying firms .... Rs. 4.00 crore.

The Board of Directors deliberated upon the matter and accorded

approval for taking loan of Rs.25.00 crore from the Assam Co-operative Apex Bank as

proposed. The Board further advised MD to obtain concurrence of Finance Department for

taking the loan, so that ASTC is not in trouble in repayment of the loan.

Item No. 29 : New Bus Operation Policy on PPP Model.

The Board considered the new Bus Operation Policy on PPP Model as

placed in the meeting and approved the same.

Item No. 30 : Enhancement of Parking Fee for Private buses at ASTC premises

including ISBTs.

MD stated that the Transport Department, Government of Assam

issued an order on 26th

March, 2008 fixing parking/operating fee of Rs.200/- per bus for

private buses operating from ISBT, Guwahati. M.D. stated that a substantial amount is spent

in maintenance of the ISBT including water supply and electricity regularly. On the other

hand the parking fee of Rs.200/- per bus is quite less in comparison to the share money by the

private owned buses operated under ASTC, which is 10% of the collected fare against such

facilities. Therefore, M.D. proposed to enhance the parking of private buses operating from

ISBTs and other stations of ASTC as follows:

Sl. Location Type of buses Current Rate Proposed rate

1 ISBT, Guwahati Big Rs.200.00 Rs.600.00

2 ISBT, Guwahati Small Rs.100.00 Rs.500.00

3 ISBT, Silchar Big Rs.100.00 Rs.600.00

The Board of Directors considered the proposal for enhancement in the

parking fee as above and approved the same.

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Item No. 31 : Faulty Appointments.

M.D. stated that a total of 614 Drivers-cum-Conductors were engaged in

2015 in Guwahati City Service. There was serious anomaly in engagement of these Drivers-

cum-Conductors in 2015. As many as 341 such Drivers-cum-Conductors are found to have

no knowledge of driving at all. Some of them possess forged driving license and some did not

possess driving license at all. All these drivers have confessed in writing to the effect that

they do not know driving. So M.D. proposed to lodge criminal case against those concerned.

The Board deliberated over the matter and decided that all the 341 Drivers-cum-Conductors

should be removed immediately and criminal case be filed to investigate the matter. Member,

Shri Dwijen Lahkar, General Secretary, STWA, stated that in this issue the Committee who

selected the candidates is responsible and the candidates are not at fault, who are working for

ASTC after their selection and engagement. The Board clarified that all the issues will be

covered during investigation.

Item No. 32 : Irregularities committed in respect of one Shri Khurshid Alam, Ex-Upper

Division Assistant by the former Managing Director, ASTC, allowing Shri

Khurshid Alam to continue his service in the Corporation after acceptance

of resignation from service tendered by the incumbent concerned and

proposed for commissioning inquiry thereof.

M.D. stated that one Shri Khurshid Alam, who was working as Upper

Division Assistant in the Office of the Divisional Superintendent, ASTC, City Service,

Guwahati and was the General Secretary, State Transport Workers’ Association, was issued

an Order by the then Managing Director Shri K.N.Chetia vide No. 899 dated 01.02.2011

accepting the resignation tendered by said Shri Khurshid Alam. Then Shri Alam left his

service to contest in the election to the Assam Legislative Assembly, 2011. But he could not

get ticket for contesting and returned to the Corporation in the month of June, 2011 and

managed to obtain an order in back date vide No. 903 dtd 02.02.2011, i.e. showing issued on

the very next day of acceptance of resignation) cancelling the earlier order of acceptance of

his resignation made vide Order No.899 dtd 01.02.2011 stating the reason that the earlier

order was passed inadvertently. Thus the service of Shri Khushid Alam was regularised for

the period of his absence for 4 months from February, 2011 to May’2011and he was paid

salary for 4(four) months amounting to Rs.89,480.00 (Gross Pay) illegally. The Board of

Directors deliberated over the matter and directed to conduct enquiry into the matter and take

necessary action.

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Item No. 33 : Providing Access to Guwahati Railway Station from ASTC Multi Level

Parking, Paltanbazar, Guwahati.

The Board considered the matter of providing access to Guwahati Railway

Station from ASTC Multi Level Parking, Paltanbazar, Guwahati and accorded ex-post-facto

approval for the same. The Board advised M.D. to take steps for generating income from the

said system.

Item No. 34 : (1) To consider reimbursement of expenses of medical treatment incurred

by Shri Gadadhar Haloi, Conductor, ASTC, City Service, Guwahati.

(2) To consider payment of loan for medical treatment to Md. Khabir Ali,

Driver (Contractual), ASTC, City Service, Guwahati.

The Board considered the matter of reimbursement of expenses of medical

treatment incurred by Shri Gadadhar Haloi, Conductor, ASTC, City Service, Guwahati and

decided that since Shri Haloi is a cancer patient and he had undergone medical treatment at

Apollo Speciality Hospital, Chennai as referred by the Director of Health Services, Assam,

the reimbursement of the expenses for the said treatment amounting to Rs.2,45,859.00

(Rupees two lakh forty five thousand eight hundred fifty nine) only, which is admissible to

him, may be paid.

The Board further considered the matter of payment of loan to Md. Khabir

Ali, Driver (Contractual), ASTC, City Service, Guwahati, who is a cancer patient and decided

that Md. Khabir Ali may be paid a loan of Rs.60,000/- (Rupees sixty thousand) only as

applied for by him for meeting his medical expenses at Apollo Hospital, Chennai.

Item No. 35 : Policy for appointment on Compassionate Ground.

The Board considered the proposal for appointment on compassionate

ground and decided that appointment on compassionate ground may be made as per norms

and rules of the Government of Assam.

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Miscellaneous:

At the end of the meeting, Member Shri Sanat Kalita, Commissioner &

Secretary, Public Enterprises Department enquired about action taken in the matter of number

of vehicles of ASTC burnt at Rupnagar, Guwahati and Chaygaon. M.D. stated that both the

matters have been reported to the Police and the cases are under investigation of Police.

The meeting ended with a vote of thanks from the Chair.

Dated Guwahati,

The 6th

June, 2017.

( ASHUTOSH AGNIHOTRI, IAS )

Chairman