Mask rule violators in Gurugram have coughed up Rs 7.5 crore in fines

GURUGRAM: Police have collected fines worth Rs 7.5 crore over mask violations in Gurugram since March 23 last year. More than 1.51 lakh challans have been issued during the one-and-a-half-year period.
Gurugram Police had started issuing challans in March last year when a lockdown, due to Covid, was announced across India. Initially, the police booked violators under the Disaster Management Act for not wearing masks. From May 28 last year, the state government made provisions for a fine of Rs 500 for not wearing masks in public places.
The state government has been regularly directing officers to build awareness and enforce the rules on wearing face masks, which healthcare experts across the world have identified as one of the key defences — along with social distancing and handwashing — against Covid.
Commissioner of Police KK Rao said that the total amount collected in fines has been transferred to the health department.
Aseem Takyar, an RTI activist who received the information regarding the number of challans issued by police, claimed that the cops intensify the drive only when the number of cases rises in the city.
Some residents alleged that the mask rule is not being enforced strictly. “One can spot people without masks in public places. There is a need to create awareness about wearing masks,” said Sameer Shukla, Sector 50 resident.
Police officials said they conduct random checks in public places such as markets and violators are being penalised for not wearing masks. “All ACPs and SHOs have been directed to carry out drives in their respective areas. At all check posts and markets, drives are being carried out against such violators. We are also in touch with market associations and RWAs to ensure people wear masks and follow other Covid norms,” an official said.