DW BUREAU / Chandigarh Following continuous complaints against the functioning of RTA office Bathinda, Punjab Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar, on Monday, conducted surprise check at the office of Regional Transport Authority (RTA), Bathinda and found various irregularities and shortcomings in record of the office. He directed Principal Secretary Transport Vikas Garg to investigate the matter and report within a week. While responding to the queries of the media, the Transport Minister said, news of irregularities in RTA office Bathinda was pouring in since several days, adding that there were irregularities in the bus timetable prepared by the office, many permits were issued illegally, some genuine bus operators were not given permits and many operators were not given due space in the timetable. "The reports of occupation of the RTA office by private bus operators also came true when employees of New Deep, Orbit and other private Bus operators were found sitting there during the surprise check", informed the Minister. Transport Minister Bhullar instructed the office staff to rectify the irregularities and shortcoming immediately, otherwise strict action will be taken against them, saying that such mistake would not be tolerated in future. The Transport Minister made it clear that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government will not allow continuation of such things and no one will be deprived of his legitimate rights. He said that the owners of illegally operating buses would be tamed but no genuine operator would be harassed. Answering the queries of excesses of private bus operators going viral on social media, S. Bhullar warned such private bus operators that any kind of bullying will not be tolerated and legal action would be taken against the operators violating rules. The Minister also reviewed the functioning of Bathinda Bus Stand. He talked to the passengers and listened to their problems besides taking stock of the sanitation, potable water, toilets and other facilities at bus stand. (editor@dailyworld.in)