Danish Mirza
Anantnag, December 18 – The Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) in Anantnag took stringent action against the misuse of personal vehicles for commercial purposes, seizing 26 private Eco Vans at Kokernag. This crackdown comes in response to widespread violations of the Motor Vehicles Act, with individuals using their personal vehicles for ferrying passengers, leading to revenue losses for the state exchequer.
The practice of utilizing personal vehicles for commercial transportation has become rampant in several areas of Kokernag Sub Division, prompting complaints from the SDM office Kokernag and local inhabitants. Local transporters have also voiced concerns about the adverse impact on their livelihood.
During a day-long checking operation, the enforcement team, led by Assistant Regional Transport Officer Anantnag, Dr. Mohammad Zubair Lattoo (JKAS), seized 26 private Eco Vans primarily operating on routes such as Soaf Shali-Nagam, Hangalgund-Watnard, Souin-Nagam, and other adjacent areas. The crackdown aims to curb unauthorized commercial use and ensure adherence to notified fares by the State Transport Authority J&K for commercial vehicles.
The enforcement team also conducted checks on other vehicles for various offenses, including Route Permit violations, overloading, overspeeding, driving without seat belts, riding without helmets, and lacking SLD. A total of 40 vehicles were challaned and blacklisted on the spot, with an expected fine realization of Rs 80,000 from the issued challans.
Simultaneously, awareness programs on the “MUMKIN” scheme were conducted in areas where private vehicles were being misused for passenger transport. The local populace was informed about the benefits of the scheme and encouraged to apply for LA (Learner’s License) to earn their livelihood while catering to the demands of the local community.
