Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Sunday expressed his displeasure over the orders issued by Transport department regarding banning of the makeshift (Jugaadu) vehicles.
The Chief Minister summoned the officers of the Transport department and unequivocally told them that his government has been formed for giving employment to the poor sections of society and not for snatching it from them. Bhagwant Mann categorically said that the officers must withdrew this contentious order and warned that stern action would be taken for any such laxity in future.
The Chief Minister summoned the officers of department on Sunday at 12 noon and sought detailed report from them. He also held meeting with Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar and asked him to immediately withdraw the orders. After meeting the Minister Tweeted, “Thousands of people in Punjab work hard day and night to earn bread from makeshift vehicles. During meeting with the Transport Minister and officers, I have directed them that no such vehicle would be banned. The aim of our government is to provide employment to all and not to snatch it”.
Pertinently on April 18th, ADGP, Traffic had issued an order to the traffic wing of all the districts, saying, ‘Makeshift vehicles
are made by using engines of old two-wheelers, which are neither registered nor have any number plates on them. These ‘vehicles are usually used for carrying goods and the drivers of these vehicles do not even have valid driving license. These vehicles have been causing major accidents on the roads." As soon as the matter was brought into notice of Chief Minister, he immediately sought a report from the Transport Department and taking strict cognizance, summoned the officials and directed them to withdraw the orders.