Min Khashim hands over MST Bus to Pettigrew College
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang

Ukhrul, June 29 2022: Transport minister Khashim Vashum on Wednesday handed over an MST bus to the authority of Pettigrew College for use in ferrying students on a daily basis.

The minister formally cut the inaugural ribbon and handed over the key of the 17-seater Force Traveller mini-bus to the college principal KAS Soreishang in the presence of transport director Dr Nivedita Lairenlakpam, joint director Delina and other officials of the department.

Speaking during the handing over function held at the college campus, minister Khashim Vashum informed that this was the first ever instance of providing an MST bus to educational institutions across the state.

"You are lucky to be the first beneficiary because there are demands for MST buses from many other government departments including colleges", he told a gathering of college faculties and students.

He mentioned that the vehicle was provided on a trial basis, and added that based on the success of this move, the government would take steps to provide more vehicles for the college.

The minister also appreciated chief minister N Biren for his support as well as the transport department officials for their cooperation in the initiative.

Talking about the size of the vehicle, he said that he deliberately chose the mini-bus over bigger tour bus for the convenience of the students, especially in view of the growing traffic congestion and the hilly terrain of the town.

He also extended a sum of Rs 25,000 to meet the cost of operating the vehicle service during the initial days.

"From today on, this vehicle is the property of the college and I urge the college authority to consider it as your own asset and to make full use of it for the benefits of the students and the institute", he pleaded.

Khashim Vashum also encouraged students to take keen interest in their studies so that they could become prominent personalities in their respective career.

He further assured the students of all possible assistance, while stating that the government is working to boost the education sector in the state.

In a reference to the recent growth of the district's lone government college, Khashim Vashum said that different construction works including Academic block of the college are going on in full swing.

"Once the infrastructural development part is done, we will take further steps to upgrade it to the status of a university", he said and urged all stakeholders concerned to extend cooperation to the process.

In her speech, Dr Nivedita said that provision of the MST bus was a step being initiated by the government towards improving the college.

She also assured of looking into ways to extend assistance to the college from her department's side in future.

Expressing gratitude to minister Khashim and transport department, college principal Soreishang exuded confidence that the bus would immensely ease the hardships being endured by the students in coming to the college.

Ukhrul MLA Ram Muivah, TNL vice president Tuisem Kamkara, Pettigrew College vice principal Peter and other faculty members and students also attended the programme.

Pettigrew College, which is believed to be the second oldest college in the state, spreads over a sprawling 26-acre campus at Meizailungtang, about 7 km north of Ukhrul main town area.

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