Kohima,27 June : The 220th meeting of standing committee organized by Association of State Road Transport Undertakings (ASRTU) and hosted by Nagaland State Transport got underway today the 27th June 2008 at Hotel Japfü, Kohima.
Parliamentary Secretary, Transport & Communication, Nagaland, Dako Phom who graced the inaugural function as the chief guest underlined the importance of State Transport Undertakings (STUs) in providing economic, comfortable and well coordinated services to the committee. ‘The services of STUs are not only essential for the traveling public but it is one of the safest and economical mode of mass transport’. He urged upon the ASRTU which is the apex body to initiate responsibility in taking up the common issues with the central government.
The Parliamentary Secretary expressed optimism that the standing committee on supply and contract would definitely help the smaller Transport Undertakings to increase their viability by reducing the material cost and establishment cost. He said that the Nagaland State Transport which was created as a Government Department in the year 1963-64 gradually expanded as mofussil services throughout the state. He however felt that the NST has still to go a long way to be at par with other STUs of the country.
Chairman Standing Committee, O.P. Gupta while addressing the participants said the ASRTU which is the apex body finalises the contract rates, oversees the quantities of items to be purchased for efficient running of the State Transport. Vice President ASRTU, V. Dinesh Reddy said that ASRTU has been making rapid progress during the last 5 years. The General Manager NST, P. Angami chaired the meeting, while Additional Chief Engineer NST, Nrio Lotha proposed the vote of thanks.