Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, April 29: The state government has decided to equip all government as well as private buses in the state with CCTV cameras and Global Positioning System (GPS). While the government cited the growing crime scenario in the state, especially against women, as the reason, the Orissa Private Bus Owners’ Association was quick to take objection, saying the government move “is not be feasible.”
A notification to this effect was issued by the Department of Commerce and Transport, which is currently at work to bring about necessary changes in the Orissa Motor Vehicle Rules – 1993. Two new clauses are to be incorporated into the law in this regard.
Announcing this here Wednesday, commerce and transport minister Ramesh Chandra Majhi said, “The move has been proposed by the state government to ensure safety of passengers, especially women. We have decided to insert two new clauses in the Orissa Motor Vehicle Rules, 1993. “The first clause will make it mandatory for all state carriages to install CCTV and GPS. This is a pre-requisite to get road permits for their operation,” the minister said.
“Over 15,000 private and 426 state-owned buses are running in the state, all of which will soon have these facilities,” Majhi said, adding: “The state government has decided to ensure safety of women in vehicles in view of the 2012 Nirbhaya case “ — the reference being to the widely condemned gang-rape case in Delhi.
He said, “After the CCTV and GPS installation, it would be easier for the government to identify the culprits and track the vehicle position in case an incident took place.” The second clause would make it clear that every holder of a stage carriage permit will have to inform in advance the State Transport Authority or Regional Transport Authority the name, identity and photograph of the driver, conductor or helper.
A police report has to be obtained by the employer on the antecedents and character of each such individual being employed as bus crew. Police will have to be intimated about any change of employment.