MSRTC is also a government body: VC

Aurangabad, Dec 21:

Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation''s (MSRTC) vice-chairman and managing director Shekhar Channe today underlined, " MSRTC is also a government body. If it is not, then to whom I belong to?"

MSRTC had applied for permission to construct a new Central Bus Stand building to the Aurangabad Municipal Corporation (AMC). However, the civic administration believes that it should be the required charges to obtain permission. However, the MSRTC officials are consistently pursuing the demand of waiving off the charges collected against issuing approval.

Channe was speaking to media persons after concluding his meeting with MSRTC officials in Aurangabad.

As per the proposal submitted to AMC, the MSRTC stated that it will be building a modern bus stand with all amenities at the existing Central Bus Stand. The MSRTC initiated the process of obtaining building permission from AMC to start the construction, and it is told to pay charges against the building permission. However, MSRTC officials defended stating that it is an organisation which runs by the state government and its chief caretaker is an IAS officer. Moreover, the new building will be constructed from the fund sanctioned by the government. As a result, the charges levelled to issue building permission should be waived-off. However, AMC''s stand is that state transport should pay the charges.

Referring to the proposal, Channe clarified, " Our officers are pursuing the matter. The efforts are underway to get concessions to MSRTC as per the government norms. If it is said that MSRTC is not of government, then I belong to whom? MSRTC is also a government entity."