"Complaint of objectionable audio clips baseless": Managing Director HRTC

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], November 30 (ANI): The Managing Director of the Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation (HRTC), addressed the media on Saturday regarding a recent complaint about objectionable audio clips allegedly being played in an HRTC bus. The complaint, which mentioned audio related to prominent political figures like Rahul Gandhi, Mamata Banerjee, Tejashwi Yadav, Akhilesh Yadav, and the Government of India, had been forwarded to the MD's office from the Chief Minister's Office. However, after a thorough investigation, the claim was found to be baseless.
Addressing a press conference in Shimla / on Saturday, Thakur said, "One of the passengers had registered a complaint for objectionable audio which allegedly was being played in an HRTC local bus in Shimla. The complaint was forwarded from the office of the Chief Minister to the MD HRTC's office, and we further directed it to the concerned Regional Manager. The fact-finding report revealed that HRTC neither played any music or audio nor was any audio played on the said bus. Hence, the complaint was found to be baseless."
Thakur also addressed concerns regarding the language used in the notice issued by an official during the investigation process. "I want to make it clear that nothing of this sort happened. The issue arose because of the language used, which I agree needed improvement. Those words were not appropriate, and we have brought this to the official's attention. The official should have reviewed these words before using them. Improvement is necessary, whether it happens through actions or decisions, and we are working on it. This has been communicated orally and will soon be conveyed in writing. Officials or employees holding sensitive positions should act more responsibly. This matter could have been checked earlier," he added.
Elaborating further, Thakur clarified that the HRTC does not play any music or audio on its buses and has no control over passengers who might listen to such content on their personal devices. "HRTC does not play any audio or music in its buses; passengers listen to content on their mobile phones, and HRTC cannot intervene in that," he explained.
He emphasized HRTC's commitment to excellence despite such incidents, adding, "There is always room for improvement. Over the last six months, revenue has increased by 15 per cent, generating Rs 60 crore. This incident does not affect our motivation to work efficiently. HRTC has been performing excellently for the past 50 years and must continue working attentively. Complaints like this are common as HRTC's 3,200 buses transport over 6 lakh passengers daily." He said.
Thakur concluded by noting that while the complaint was deemed baseless, it serves as a reminder for officials to maintain professionalism in their communications and decision-making. "This has been communicated to the official in question, and corrective measures are being taken. HRTC remains committed to serving the public with integrity and efficiency," he affirmed. (ANI)