Ranchi: In Jharkhand, the state cabinet amended the motor vehicles regulations so that bus and trekker services can operate in rural areas, thus linking villages with block and district headquarters as well as state and national highways.

It is proposed that under Gramin Seva Yaan, (a rural public transport service), permits will be granted for mini-buses and vans having a seating capacities of six to 21, excluding the driver and helper/conductor.

Cabinet coordination department additional chief secretary N.N. Pandey said that educated people belonging to SC and ST communities would be encouraged to apply for road permits.

“The move will not only help improve public transport facilities in rural areas, but also generate employment opportunities,” he stated to the local media.

Pandey also said that buses and vans would have to display ‘Gramin Seva Yaan’ in bold blue letters on white strips on both sides of their bodies. The routes be clearly displayed on the windscreens of the vehicles.

Permit holders will have to submit certificates of “satisfactory regular service”, issued by respective mukhiyas (village heads), to the regional transport offices every three months.

“The road permit may be cancelled if one fails to submit the certificate regularly. But if rules are followed, it may be renewed after every five years,” he added.

In another significant move, the cabinet today agreed to grant 10 per cent discount on stamp duty and registration fees of immovable property purchased by women. “It may cause some losses to the state exchequer, but the move is aimed at women empowerment and therefore, it’s worth it,” Pandey claimed.

[prepared by intern Pragya from news reports]

  interns, Jharkhand, Ranchi, transport