For this Conductor, honesty proves to be the best policy

For this Conductor, honesty proves to be the best policy

When his honesty was acknowledged in full public glare on Tuesday afternoon, it was a moment that brought a sense of déjà vu for Ganpat Ramchandra Satre. For, the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport Undertaking (BEST) conductor was similarly feted nearly six years ago for depositing the Rs4,500 cash one of the passengers in his bus had left behind. Satre, who currently reports for work at the Kurla bus depot, joined the BEST almost 22 years ago. “Though regarded as being very responsible in his approach towards work, Satre is prefers to maintain a low profile,” said a BEST employee at the bus depot where he works, adding that “this time round, his honesty and a clean service record are expected to fetch him a promotion. According to a statement issued by BEST, Satre “found 200 gram of gold (valued at Rs5,80,000) while conducting Bus route number 322 on May 23 (Monday), which he promptly deposited with the authorities.” The statement further added that BEST committee chairman and Shiv Sena corporator Ashok Patil “fetedSatre for his honesty with a flower bouquet and a gift in the presence of BEST general manager OP Gupta and other committee members.” Speaking to DNA after the event, Patil said, “We wanted to acknowledge Satre’s honesty as often conductors and drivers face much flak for their mistakes but are rarely congratulated for good work. We will also give him a promotion on BEST day on August 7.” Happy with the undertaking for felicitating him, Satre said he was “thankful for the public acknowledgment.” Meanwhile, officials said, the owner of the gold identified only by the name Kolambkar made a claim on gold with the BEST and is expected to get its possession soon.