Three breathalysers with MSRTC lie idle in Nashik

NASHIK: The three breath analysers that the Nashik division of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) purchased around two months ago, remain idle even today due to inability of the required supporting hardware of computers and printers. The hardware is needed to print out the medical reports of the tests conducted on the drivers.
The analysers are in functional condition and were handed over to the three offices – Nashik depot 1, the divisional transport officer (DTO) and the line checking squad.
A N Shirsath, DTO Nashik division, said, “We have three breath analysers that were given to us by the MSRTC on an experimental basis. As we have no supporting hardware for the system through which the analysis reports can be drawn. These are needed to carry out investigations or file chargesheets against the person found intoxicated at the time of duty.”
Shirsath added that when they received the analyser, tests were conducted on drivers to find out if a person was intoxicated on duty. “One of them tested positive, but we could not take a print of the report due to lack of supporting hardware. We had to finally take a photo of the screen and perform the panchnama involving the police help in the case, along with signatures of the conductors and passengers. Based on which the driver is being tried. The medical report was also sought in addition to all of the above,” Shirsath said. He added that the case is yet to be decided.
“The analysers were introduced to cut down on all other issues, including seeking help from medical officers. The system was expected to be more transparent and effective. The staff also received only a part of the formal training on how to use the system. Once the support system is delivered, the training for using the analyser will have to be explained to all officials,” the official said.
He added that there was once an alcohol-test method used by the corporation in the early 1990s and was discarded following several objections and court cases. Since then the system relied on the medical reports for the cases. “In case of medical reports, however, it takes months for the delivery of the results,” the officer said.