Odisha Govt asks collectors for strict enforcement of concession, reservation of disabled in buses

The state government has asked all district collectors and Regional Transport Officers ( RTO) to strictly enforce the Governmental provisions of allowing fare concession and seat reservation for physically challenged persons in all Government and private buses plying in their respective areas including intestate buses. 

Following orders of Govt. as per the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988, secretary commerce & transport G Mathivathanan and secretary W&CD Arati Ahuja in a joint circular have told the collectors and RTO’s that complains are being raised against the conductors on allegations of not allowing the concession to physically challenged persons in many cases. 

It has been made clear that the government has allowed 50 to 100% concession (depending on type of Physical challenge) of fare in all the government and private buses playing in the state. 

In addition to this free luggage up to 15kgs per person has been allowed. 

However, every additional 20 kg luggage shall be charged at 7 paise per km. 

It has been clarified in the directions that since this element of concession has been factored in to bus fare structure, it is obligatory on part of all buses to allow this concession to all eligible persons. 

The physically challenged persons will avail identity card or authenticated proof from the competent authority viz. concerned Block Development Officer, Executive Officer/Commissioner of NAC/Municipality/Corporations or District Social Welfare Officers. 

The persons with immune deficiency may avail the proof form State AIDS cell. 

The conductors of all busses have been directed to allow the concession instantly at notified rate on production of identity card/ authenticated proof by the physically challenged person. 

Similarly, it has been clarified that 2 seats near the door preferably seats behind conductor’s seat be kept reserved for physically challenged persons. 

Whenever any physically challenged person boards the bus said seats should be vacated and given to him/her. 

It has also been warned that disobedience to this order will lead to strict action as per the law which may range up to imposition of heavy penalty, cancellation of route permit, cancellations of license etc. 

The collectors and RTO’s have been asked to take necessary steps for writing of these entitlements in busses, bus stands and other public places for empowering the physically challenged persons and for information of all the bus owners and conductors. 

 

 

Source : India Education Diary ( 27th Feb 2013 )