Chandigarh, Nov 2 (IANS): Following complaints received from various quarters, the Punjab government has banned the playing of vulgar and provocative music in the state-run transport buses with immediate effect.

Punjab's Transport Minister Ajit Singh Kohar in a statement on Monday said that any bus driver violating the government's directive would have to face strict departmental action.

The minister said the government was committed to provide best transport services to people.

"Random surprise checks would be conducted by a specially-constituted committee to check the use of provocative music in the buses," Kohar said.

"Frequent use of vulgar and loud music in the buses not only generates mental pollution amongst the passengers but is also instrumental in fatal accidents which occur due to distraction of the drivers," he said.

"This type of music goes contrary to both the rich cultural heritage of the state and also the diktat of the independent state-level censor board which was especially constituted to check vulgarity in the Punjabi songs," the minister said.

Kohar urged the general public to contact him personally if they come across anything erroneous with regard to the transport facilities extended to them by the Punjab government.