ITANAGAR, SEP 10:

The All Arunachal Pradesh Public Transport Federation (AAPPTF) has urged the state government to immediately appoint a regular and competent secretary in the state transport department, claiming that the prolonged absence of a full-time official has affected its functioning.

In a representation to Chief Minister Pema Khandu, AAPPTF state president Dobing Sonam said important files were pending, administrative decisions delayed and salaries of departmental as well as contractual employees were reportedly being held up due to the situation.

The federation said the Transport Department is one of the state’s key public-oriented departments and any disruption in its functioning directly affects employees and the transport sector.

Sonam said transport workers, employees, vehicle owners, drivers, conductors and other stakeholders were concerned over the situation.

The federation appealed to the chief minister to personally intervene and ensure the posting of a “regular, experienced and preferably local IAS officer” as secretary of the department without further delay.

It also sought immediate priority for clearing pending files and resolving salary-related matters concerning departmental and contractual employees.

“This is not merely a routine administrative issue; it directly affects the employees’ livelihood and the functioning of the transport sector in Arunachal Pradesh,” the federation said in its representation.

The AAPPTF said it stood firmly with the affected employees and the transport fraternity and urged the government to take “immediate, concrete and time-bound action” to address the issue.

Copies of the representation were also forwarded to the state transport minister, chief secretary and officials of the transport department.