Group of Ministers took stock of the situation arising out of spread of COVID-19 in Punjab in its meeting on 19-3-2020. It was decided to prohibit movement of all public service vehicles which includes all stage carriage, contract carriage buses, auto rickshaws and e rickshaws. However, for public convenience, buses of PRTC/PUNBUS/Punjab Roadways on specific routes and taxis having seating capacity of less than 12 passengers’ i.e. maxi cab and motor cab have been exempted from this prohibition. It was disclosed by Mrs. Razia Sultana, Transport Minister in a press communiqué released here today. She said that this prohibition comes into effect from midnight of 20th, March 2020 and will be in force till 31st March.This prohibition includes, stage carriage as well as contract carriage buses coming from outside the state of Punjab. However, in case of emergency, concerned Deputy Commissioners as well as State Transport Commissioner are authorized to exempt any public service vehicle from operation of this order.It is further to clarify that this ban doesn't cover goods carriers and private service vehicles i.e. factory, staff buses etc.Mrs. Razia Sultana said that it was also decided by Group of Ministers to reduce non essential public dealing in Government offices. In view of that, it was decided to temporarily suspend the work of issue of driving licenses including driving test w.e.f. 23rd of March till 31st March, 2020. However, work related other services like registration vehicles, tax etc. shall continue as usual.