NAWANSHEHAR: The announcement  of "immediate suspension" of an allegedly corrupt employee of the local District Transport Office by Punjab Transport Minister Master Mohan Lal yesterday during a phone-in programme on Doordarshan has generated a lot interest among the people here.

The minister was recounting the achievements of his department when a local viewer, Charanjit Singh, a social activist associated with a number of NGOs, brought to his notice the corruption prevailing in the DTO office here.

As the minister responded with the words "waheguru, waheguru", the viewer reminded him that only invoking the All-mighty would not do and that some action would have to be taken in the form action against the corrupt employee who had also usurped the powers of the MVI (Motor Vehicles Inspector) and was engaged in "passing" the vehicles.

At this, the minister immediately announced that the said employee stood suspended with immediate effect. As it was Saturday, it could not be confirmed whether the employee has actually been suspended or not.

Meanwhile, Human Empowerment League of Punjab (HELP), a local NGO, has decided to pursue the case to its logical end. "We would ensure that the minister's orders are implemented," said an activist.