DTO denies allegations of regular absence, misbehaviour, and intoxication
Shillong, June 10: Members of the Garo Students’ Union (GSU) East Zone on Tuesday staged a protest at Williamnagar demanding immediate removal of the district transport officer (DTO) John Bugner M Marak citing multiple complaints against him.
The activists picketed the DTO office, stalling work for the day, against instances of the DTO’s alleged misbehaviour and frequent absence from duty.
Despite repeated attempts by senior citizens and community leaders to advise the officer to carry out his duties properly, no improvement was seen, prompting the GSU to take this action, said GSU East Zone secretary Alex D Shira and president Goera R Sangma.
Several complaints against the DTO have been registered since last year, they said.
According to the GSU East Zone, the DTO spends most of his working hours inside his official quarters and rarely attends the office.
“He frequently performs his duties from home, sometimes found in an intoxicated state, and uses inappropriate and disrespectful language while dealing with members of the public,” they said.
The GSU also alleged that he had mistreated its members during past encounters.
While warning that the picketing shall continue if public concerns were not addressed, the GSU also urged other government officials in East Garo Hills to treat the public with dignity and professionalism.
However, the DTO refuted all allegations, saying he is available in Williamnagar even on weekends and has served the district in various departments for nearly 15 years without any prior complaints.
Stating that it could be the result of some misunderstanding, he asserted that he regularly attends office and that departmental revenue collection has improved during his tenure.
He also refuted allegations of being intoxicated while on duty.
On being late to office, he said, “Sometimes people visit me at my quarters early in the morning, which is a reason I get delayed to work occasionally.”
Responding to GSU’s demand for his transfer, Marak said as a government servant, he has been transferred multiple times before and that any decision on the matter will rest with higher authorities.
