Minister for CAPD and Tribal Affairs, Ch. Zulfkar Ali today stressed on rationalization of passenger fare wherever necessary for the benefit of commuters.“There is need to rationalize the fare in view of the tourist season and to redress the complaints of commuters about overcharging by the private transport operators” the Minister said while chairing a meeting here today.He said that a transporter or driver is first person with whom a tourist comes in contact with. “They (Transporters) should charge genuine fare from the tourists and earn their goodwill in return,” the Minister said.
Referring to Government’s resolve of ensuring public convenience, the Minister asked the officers to ensure proper SRTC services in remote and far off areas to extend affordable facility to the commuters. The monopoly of some private Sumo owners and other vehicles causing much inconvenience to poor people who cannot afford their self decided fares cannot be tolerated, he added.The Minister also asked the Legal Metrology Department (LMD) to ensure cent percent calibration and metering of auto rickshaws and in this regard, he constituted a committee headed by RTO, Kashmir which was asked to submit its report within 15 days.In order to check overcharging by the drivers, the Minister asked the concerned to publish pamphlets and erect banners depicting rates at all departure and arrival points including airport, railway station, bus stands, taxi stands and other prominent places. He also asked them to give wide publicity to this initiative of the government for information of general public.
The Minister directed the RTO, Kashmir and LMD to establish 24*7 grievances redressal cell where people can lodge their complaints and avail the facilities and services comfortably. He directed the IG Traffic to devise a foolproof mechanism to keep a check on overcharging.Deliberating upon the strategies to make Motor Vehicles Act more stringent, the Minister said that possibilities would be explored to implement revised Road Safety Act in the State at an earliest to ensure safety on roads.The Minister asked the Srinagar Municipality to constitute a local area committee and identify stands where autos would be calibrated on notified days.Earlier, RTO, Kashmir informed that there are 12660 autos operating in the Valley, of which 10777in Srinagar.Commissioner Secretary, CAPD, IGP Traffic, SSP Traffic, RTO Kashmir, Deputy Controller LMD, representatives from SMC besides other officers attended the meeting.Earlier, the Minister held video conferencing with all District Development Commissioners of Jammu division to take stock of the progress on preparation of additional new ration cards as per 2011 census. He directed the concerned DCs to ensure completion of survey process by 25th of this month. He also asked them to identify specific areas in tribal inhabitation for establishing income generating ventures. (GNS)