Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Jan 11: The government has said that the reservation norms of seats for women and physically challenged persons in public buses were being ignored and violated by the transport owners and operators.
The Transport Commissioner of Jammu and Kashmir in a circular has said that it has issued orders and notifications from time to time for reservation of seats traveling in Public Service Vehicles including Big Buses 1 to 12 and for Medium Mini-Buses 1 to 09.
“It has been observed that the instructions issued are not implemented by the owners and Transport operators, with the result the general public especially the women and handicapped persons traveling in passenger service vehicles are facing inconvenience,” it reads.
The officer said that it was necessary in the public interest to reserve the seats for women and handicapped persons traveling in passenger service vehicles.
“For Big Buses seats 1 to 12 and for Medium and Mini Buses 1 to 09 shall be reserved for women and handicapped persons. The words ‘Reserved for women and Handicapped Persons’ should prominently be painted either on back of the seat or alongside of the body of the vehicles adjacent to seat in White Alphabets so as to display the orders of reservation of such seats to occupants of the vehicle at all times,” it reads.
It also said that in case passengers of these categories are not traveling in the bus the seats may be allowed to be occupied by the normal male passengers who shall vacate these seats in case any persons for the reserved category boards the vehicle en-route at any station.
The transport officer requested the enforcement agencies to ensure implementation of this circular effectively.
“Non compliance of this condition shall make the permit holder liable for action under Motor Vehicle Act and Rules framed there under, which apart from fine and penalties may result in suspension and cancellation of permit,” it reads.
The circular further said that, “All the Boards of Inspection shall ensure proper implementation of the circular instructions while issuance of fitness certificate of Big Buses, Medium and Mini Buses.”
