1. Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma revises fines for auto-rickshaw drivers in policy shift.
2. Fines are now applied after five offenses, easing the burden on drivers.
3. Policy change aims to reduce penalties for minor violations, effective immediately.
Guwahati, June 27:Â Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma addressed concerns regarding hefty fines imposed on auto-rickshaw drivers, announcing a significant policy change during a cabinet briefing today.
Effective immediately, auto rickshaws and rickshaws will only be penalized after accumulating five or more offenses.
“We have received complaints about traffic police imposing fines on poor auto-rickshaw drivers,” CM Sarma acknowledged. Under the revised guidelines, these vehicles will not face fines for the first four violations.
Only upon committing a fifth offense will fines be enforced.
Additionally, the updated policy extends to two-wheelers, where fines will now solely apply to riders not wearing helmets.
Penalties for infractions like missing documents will no longer be imposed on scooters and bikes.
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The transport department is tasked with developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistent and clear enforcement.
“Last year, the government collected only around 6-7 crores. There’s no justification for harassing people, especially the less fortunate, over such minimal amounts,” CM Sarma emphasized.
