JNM Journalist Hardeep Jamwal, Jammu
To make the public transportation system in Jammu and Kashmir safer and more convenient, the Transport Department has taken a major and strict decision. It is now mandatory to strictly adhere to the rules regarding seats reserved for women and passengers with disabilities in buses and minibuses operating within the Jammu division. If passengers occupying reserved seats in any vehicle fail to vacate them despite a woman or a person with a disability boarding the bus, action will be initiated against the concerned driver and operator. In cases of repeated non-compliance with the rules, the vehicle’s route permit may even be cancelled.
The directives issued by Transport Commissioner Special Pal Mahajan clearly state that while provisions for seat reservation for women and persons with disabilities already exist in passenger vehicles, they are not being properly implemented at the ground level. Consequently, women and passengers with disabilities who commute daily face significant difficulties.
According to the new orders, seats numbered 1 through 12 in large buses, and seats numbered 1 through 9 in mini and medium-sized buses, will remain reserved for women and passengers with disabilities. Furthermore, it will be mandatory for bus operators to clearly display the inscription “Reserved for Women and Persons with Disabilities” in large, legible letters on these seats to eliminate any confusion among passengers.
The Department has also clarified that if other passengers are occupying reserved seats during a journey and a woman or a passenger with a disability boards the bus en route, those passengers must immediately vacate the seats. The primary responsibility for ensuring this will rest directly with the bus driver and conductor.
The Transport Department and the Traffic Police have been directed to jointly conduct regular inspection drives. During these inspections, if a vehicle operator is found to be in violation of the rules, a fine (challan) will be issued initially; however, in the event of a repeat offense, strict action will be taken, and the process to cancel the vehicle’s route permit will be initiated.
The administration believes that this decision will ensure greater dignity and convenience for women and passengers with disabilities within the public transportation system. Meanwhile, the general public observes that while rules have always existed, this time the administration has signaled an intent to enforce them strictly—a move that may potentially lead to a genuine improvement in the situation.
