Next time you see a Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) bus approaching, veer away from its path. And even while crossing the road keep an eye on any DTC bus as it can jump the signal since the corporation suspects that many of its drivers are “colour blind”. The suspicion arose after the DTC found a driver involved in a fatal accident to be colour blind.
As senior officials came to know about it, they decided to conduct another test of all drivers hired in 2008 and later. Now, at least 423 DTC drivers have to undergo the colour blindness test again.
The driver’s union has not taken the development easily and complained to transport minister Ramakant Goswami citing various government rules and orders.
“The driver’s associations approached with a complaint against the test for eyesight,” Mr Goswami told this newspaper.
The drivers claim that the panel of doctors of the DTC is deliberately failing them in the colour blindness test. “In last few days, 13 drivers underwent eye check-up and 11 were deliberately failed by the doctors. I have certificates of not being colour blind from three hospitals but the DTC doctors did not pass me,” alleged Balwant Singh, a DTC driver.
“We will set up an independent committee for examination of the eyes of drivers from a certain batch and we will appoint a senior doctor from the AIIMS for a fair enquiry. Further if we find anything suspicious, re-check up of other drivers will also conducted,” he said.
The check-up is likely to be completed in 10-15 days.