CAG finds anomalies in Assam transport operation

Guwahati, Mar 6 The Comptroller and Auditior General of India (CAG) has found serious anomalies in the operation of state-owned Assam State Transport Corporation, including weak financial management.

The CAG report, which was presented at the ongoing budget session here, found that the Corporation could not recover the cost of operations in any of the five years under review which was mainly due to operational inefficiencies, weak financial management and inadequate monitoring by top management.

Recently the ASTC had roped in private bus operators under its banner to boost its earning in a state where the majority of people are dependent on road network in the absence of rail connectivity to several districts of the state.

"The Corporation could not keep pace with the growing demand for public transport as its share declined from 2.86 per cent in 2004-05 to 2.32 per cent in 2008-09", it said.