Anantnag : Practice of using personal vehicles for ferrying passengers has become rampant in many areas of Kokernag.In violation of the Motor Vehicles Act, many people are using their personal vehicles for commercial purposes such as ferrying passengers and causing revenue loss to the state exchequer. This practice is quite rampant in many areas of Kokernag Sub Division. They also charge fares more than what has been notified by the State Transport Authority J&K for commercial vehicles.The crackdown came on the complaint from SDM office Kokernag as well as local inhabitants. The local transporters has also raised their voice against this practice as it had affected their livelihood also.
During the day long checking as many as 26 Private Eco Vans were seized operating mainly on Soaf Shali-Nagam Route, Hangalgund- Watnard Route and Souin-Nagam Route other adjacent areas.
The enforcement team which was headed by Assistant Regional Transport Officer Anantnag Dr Mohammad Zubair Lattoo (JKAS) also checked the other vehicles for different offences viz. Route Permit violations, Overloading, Over speeding, driving without Seat Belt, riding without helmet and without SLD. As many as 40 vehicles were challaned and blacklisted onspot. Fine to the tune of Rs 80,000 is expected to be realized from the Challans.
Meanwhile, awareness programmes on the “MUMKIN” scheme were held in those areas where Private Vehicles were being used for carrying Passengers. They were informed about the benefits of the scheme and ecouraged to apply for LA so that they may earn their livelihood and also cater to the demands of local areas.CNI