The Punjab government has decided to authorise recognised educational institutions to issue learners driving licences to eligible students to avoid the long and cumbersome rigmarole. This will not only benefit the new drivers but the workload at government offices will also be reduced. Besides,the work to register the vehicles is also being handed over to vehicle dealers in the state. Principal Secretary,Transport,Punjab,D S Jaspal announced this at a special function held at Punjab State Education Board (PSEB) headquarters in Phase VIII here on Thursday. The function was organised to hand over appointment letters to those recruited in the Transport department on compassionate grounds. Transport Minister Mohan Lal gave job letters to 123 beneficiaries appointed on different posts as per the respective qualifications and posts held by their deceased kin. So far,477 compassionate jobs have been offered in the Transport department and 1,000 such beneficiaries were appointed in Punbus. The minister also said that 689 old buses would be replaced this year besides the 150 new buses that would be added to the existing fleet of Punjab Roadways. He also said 35 new air-conditioned and 10 super AC buses would be launched within the next three months to further spread the benefit of AC bus travel on 10 per cent extra fare. He disclosed that Rs 67 crore has been spent to construct modern bus stands and Rs 42 crore to ensure free travel facility to various sections of society.
