Owners of good vehicles told not to ferry labourers

Belagavi: The district administration will take stringent action against those using goods vehicles to ferry people, warned deputy commissioner Vishal R on Saturday.
He was speaking at a meeting of officials from various departments, labour leaders and employers. Vishal noted that labourers are transported in goods vehicles to their workplaces especially in areas where bus services are lacking. He directed NWKRTC officers to ply buses wherever needed and instructed RTO officials to act against illegal transport of people.
The meeting was convened after a high court direction. Labour commissioner Palaiah said the high court has sought a report on steps taken to curb transportation of labourers in goods vehicles before May 25. Palaiah said that an action plan will be prepared after collecting information on various aspects of the issue. He said a meeting of employers, departments concerned, labour union leaders and office-bearers of vehicle associations will be convened soon.
City police commissioner BS Lokeshkumar said action was initiated against 200 autorickshaws drivers for carrying more than the permitted number of students. “Our intention is not just collecting fine, but creating awareness,” he said. Vijay Devraj Urs, member secretary of District Legal Services Authority, called for creating awareness on the issue.