by Syeda Sakeena/Iqra Akhoon
Srinagar
Despite Basanth Rath’s repeated assurances of streamlining the ailing traffic system in the state, students in Srinagar on Tuesday said that they get no concessions for their fares.
Both, in private as well in government transport they have to pay full fare instead of the fifty percent ‘concession privilege’ that state government have promised for the student fraternity.
Fiza, a student of Women’s college said that Conductors often argue with her about the half fare. They always demand full fare and refuse to take half. “If there is a law for it, I fail to understand why is not implemented here,” she added.
Another group of students studying at S P College said that they have to fight with the conductors each and every day. Sometimes the argument turns into the physical brawls. “Every day I pay ten rupees from my home Lal Bazar, to Lal Chowk. But as per rule, I had to pay only half of it,” said a student Majid Ahmed.
However, when Kashmir Life contacted concerned authorities, they said that all of the students can not avail the concessions, only first seven students can. We are regularly checking the vehicles and ensuring the laws are strictly followed.
Earlier, on February 24 this year, traffic Police Srinagar issued an advisory to all bus operators, both private operators and State-owned to charge only half passenger fare to students travelling from their residential place to the location of their educational institutions.
The traffic management has also requested students to have a valid identity card with them in order to avail the benefit.
The authorities have also said that necessary action shall be taken against the violator under Motor Vehicle Act if any such case is reported.
Besides, the students have been asked to contact helpline numbers of Traffic Police Office City Srinagar for any help.
Also, on March 2nd, Traffic police City, Srinagar, had issued a statement that all public transport vehicles, be it state carriage or contract carriage must place a copy of latest “passenger fare list” issued by the competent Authority displayed at a prominent place in all public transport vehicles.
