Guwahati, March 30: Assam transport minister Anjan Dutta today highlighted the Congress government’s role in reviving the Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) and distributed cash awards to those who had make the revival possible.

Speaking during the 33rd foundation day celebrations of the ASTC, Dutta said, “The ASTC is the first government organisation to be granted Rs 66 crore for the VRS by the Planning Commission.”

Through this scheme, 1,781 employees availed of voluntary retirement, thereby saving the government Rs 80 lakh per month on salaries, he said. The minister also granted incentives to the workers in the form of awards, certificates and an increment of Rs 200 for the best driver, conductor and the mechanic of the eight divisions of the corporation.

The running trophies have been named after late Atul Chandra Saikia, founder general secretary of the ASTC Workers’ Association, and three other former transport ministers.

Khurshid Alam, general secretary of the ASTC Workers’ Association lauded the efforts of the government in improving the condition of the corporation.

Chief minister Tarun Gogoi today inaugurated a new executive class of service with better amenities for passengers on selected routes. The ASTC plans to begin work on networking the computerised ticket issuing system of ASTC buses throughout the state. Operation of air-conditioned luxury buses along select routes and low-floor hi-tech luxury buses in Guwahati and conversion of the ASTC workshops into resource-generating centres are also on the agenda.