Nagpur Municipal Corporation Transport Department Under Fire for Lax Action Against Errant Conductors
A significant administrative failure has been exposed within the Nagpur Municipal Corporation's transport department, where numerous bus conductors implicated in repeated ticket-related offences were permitted to continue working despite a clear policy requiring termination after three violations.
Rule Violation and Mounting Cases
Internal documents examined by The Times of India reveal that at least a dozen conductors have been involved in multiple incidents, with some accumulating between five to eight separate cases. Despite this, their identification cards remained active, and penalties were administered as routine measures rather than being escalated for serious disciplinary consequences.
According to established regulations, any conductor found guilty in three cases—especially those concerning ticket irregularities or cash discrepancies—must be dismissed to prevent escalating financial losses in the city's bus service. However, in many instances, action was restricted to fines or notes for review, raising serious concerns about the effectiveness of the authorities tasked with initiating disciplinary proceedings.
Inquiry Launched Against Labour Officer
The controversy has prompted a formal investigation targeting labour officer Arun Pipurde, who was reportedly responsible for managing these cases. Sources within the transport wing indicate that this lenient approach has emboldened misconduct among staff and undermined the department's enforcement framework.
Pipurde is listed on the NMC website as the labour officer in the transport department, with duties covering personnel-related actions involving conductors and other employees. Officials acknowledge that the transport wing is already grappling with losses and operational inefficiencies, and the failure to address repeat offenders has further eroded accountability.
Broader Scrutiny and Additional Allegations
This issue emerges as corporators are conducting a comprehensive review of decisions made during the four-year administrative rule, with multiple departments, including transport, facing examination for alleged irregularities and accountability gaps.
The inquiry into Pipurde gains added importance due to a recent show-cause notice served by the civic administration. He is accused of overstepping his authority by signing official documents as an administrative officer—a position significantly above his rank. The notice, issued by the additional municipal commissioner, alleges misuse of position and violation of departmental protocol through signing 10-15 internal communications in the absence of an administrative officer.
Demands for Accountability and Future Actions
Corporators have called on the administration to clarify why the termination rule was not enforced and whether any officials intentionally shielded repeat offenders. With cases accumulating and losses increasing in the bus service, attention has shifted from the conductors themselves to the officers who neglected to take appropriate action.
The investigation into the labour officer is anticipated to determine whether this oversight resulted from negligence or a more extensive administrative breakdown.
Official Response and Commitment to Action
Transport committee chairperson Mangala Khekre emphasized that the department will not condone any irregularities. "If found involved, legal action, including termination, will be initiated," she stated firmly.
Detailed Case Profiles of Repeat Offenders
Records obtained by TOI illustrate specific instances where conductors continued in service despite numerous violations:
- Sachin Mendhe (ID 70410): Involved in 4 incidents with 34 total cases recorded, including a high of 27 cases in one instance. Penalties were imposed, but termination was avoided, with "blacklisting" mentioned yet the ID not deactivated.
- Eknath Chandrashekhar (ID 70675): Faced 6 incidents and 26 total cases, peaking at 14 in a single instance. Heavy penalties were levied, but service continued.
- Uma Santape (ID 70047): Implicated in 5 incidents and 22 total cases, with only penalty actions taken and the ID remaining active.
- Ashish Dandekar (ID 70006): Accumulated 8 incidents and 16 total cases across multiple violations. Penalties were imposed without dismissal.
- Rajendra Choudhari (ID 70486): Recorded 6 incidents and 16 total cases, with the case marked "open for NMC review" but no termination enacted.
- Kishor Raut (ID 70527): Involved in 5 incidents and 16 total cases, including 7 in one instance, yet continued in service.
- Somnath Barve (ID 70053): Faced 4 incidents and 10 total cases, with action limited to penalties only.
This situation highlights critical lapses in governance and enforcement within Nagpur's public transport system, prompting calls for stricter adherence to rules and enhanced oversight to safeguard public funds and service integrity.
