Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, May 10: Minister of State for Science & Technology and Transport, Sunil Kumar Sharma today announced substantial relief for the transporters by implementing Govt of India’s Notification No SO 41(E) by which relaxation upto 5% has been allowed in the gross vehicle weight for the purpose of compliance of Sub Section 3 of Section 113 of the Motor Vehicle Act 1988.
As per the new mechanism, a goods vehicle carrying 5% additional weight over and above the permissible gross vehicle weight will not be considered as overloaded and thus will not be liable for any fine by the Motor Vehicle Department. Earlier, even an extra load of 50 kgs attracted a fine of Rs. 2500 which was considered as a harsh punishment by the transporters.
The Minister said that the instructions have been issued to all the RTOs/ARTOs to implement the notification in letter and spirit. “While the Government is pleased to announce this genuine relief to the transporters, but all those violators of the instructions will be dealt sternly”, he added. The permits of all those vehicles indulging in deliberate overloading will also be suspended.
The Minister further appealed to the transporters to abide by the rules and not to fall prey to the agents for getting petty jobs done. He assured that their all genuine demands will be taken care of in future.
The Minister also inspected SRTC Bus Stand Lal Chowk and interacted with the employees and passengers and listened to their issues. Both employees and public requested the Minister not to shift the Bus Stand from Lal Chowk being the central place where the passengers across different States easily get the transport facilities.
They also requested for directing the authorities of SMC for the cleanliness of the bus stand on regular basis. He gave patient hearing to the grievances of the employees and public including shopkeepers/traders of the area and assured that their concerns will be taken care of and the issue will be addressed soon.
Minister also inspected the Bus Terminal Point at TRC and took stock of the mechanism of the revenue generation by SRTC and checked its functioning. He took serious view of the pathetic conditions of the office of SRTC at TRC and issued on spot instructions to Secretary Transport /MD SRTC to renovate the office immediately.
Minister also inspected the service centre and the printing press near Tehzeeb Mahal.