Mumbai Beat

The extension was granted after the ACB told the court that there was a delay in submitting the audit reports of Vasantrao Naik Development Corporation and Mahatma Phule Backward Class Corporation, both under the state government8217;s Social Welfare Department. The ACB has been directed to take action against erring officials if they had 8220;deliberately8221; delayed submission of these reports.

The court had directed the ACB to investigate the allegations against the minister and his wife, Shashikala.ENS

Taxi union takes on RTO

The Mumbai Taximen8217;s Union has directed taximen not to report to the RTO for re-inspection of their vehicles as directed bythe Motor Vehicles Department. The union will declare an agitation whenever necessary to expose the empty slogans and high-handed directives of the transport commissioner with the one-point agenda of targetting only taxis in Mumbai, said AL Quadros, general secretary of Mumbai Taximen8217;s Union. However, Transport Commissioner Vinay Mohan Lal has warned of stern action if the taxis defy the notices. ENS

BEST proposes fare hike

The BEST today presented the BEST Committee a proposal for an increase in bus fares following the hike in diesel prices by the Union government. It says it is incurring Rs 45 crore as additional expenditure in its transport division due to the hike. The proposal, presented by General Manager, Rahul Asthana, has sought to raise the fare from Rs 2 for 2.5 km to Rs 3 for every three km. Asthana said the total deficit in the BEST budget for the year 2000-2001 would amount to Rs 235 crore. The committee is likely to take a final decision in a week. UNI