Nearly 600 drivers of DTC buses are colour blind
24 Jan, 2014An application was filed with the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) under the Right to Information (RTI) Act seeking to get information regarding the procedure for recruitment of the bus drivers. It also sought to know about the action taken against those drivers who were found to be appointed on the basis of fake medical certificates.
When the matter was brought before the Central Information Commission (CIC), the appellant contended that around 600 drivers have been operating buses on the basis of fake medical certificates though under Rule 9 of DTC Rules and Regulations, these applicants for the post of driver should have been rejected by the DTC medical board.
During the hearing the vigilance officer requested that information should not be furnished as inquiries were being conducted in complaints against around 400 drivers for using fake medical certificates to get the job. Dismissing the contention of the vigilant officer, the CIC directed the DTC to disclose information about the cases for which investigation was complete and not to wait for final conclusion of inquiry or the final action taken report.
Afterwards, the information commissioner M Sridhar Acharyulu wrote a letter to the Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and apprised him of the allegation that at least 600 DTC drivers have colour blindness and other medical problems but are continuing to drive the buses. In the capacity of a citizen, he conveyed his apprehension to the CM that lives of thousands of commuters in the city could be in danger if the allegations were true even partially and requested him to urgently look into the issue.