Telecom firm installs canopies along roads

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, February 18

Defying rules of the Municipal Corporation (MC), Reliance Jio, a telecommunication company, has installed a large number of canopies to sell mobile SIM cards on roadside in the city.

According to MC officials the company did not take any permission to run its commercial activities on roadsides. Ironically, some canopies have been installed in the accident prone area. However, the MC seems reluctant to remove these canopies.

Two such canopies are installed on slip road connected with Majitha Road at Guru Gobind Singh Chowk. The canopies are not visible to commuters coming from Mata Kaulan Ji Marg. The company has installed canopies on footpaths thus creating a hurdle for pedestrians.

When questioned, company representatives at a booth claimed that the MC had given them permission to install canopies.

Meanwhile, officials of the civic body stated that canopies were installed without any prior permission of the Estate Office. Officials also claimed that they seized some canopies and warned company representatives not to use government land without taking permission.

Jaswinder Singh, Estate Officer, Municipal Corporation, said, “There is no permission from the MC for canopies or booths being installed by Reliance Jio. We have seized a few booths. The rule is same for everyone. No one will be exempted”.

Earlier, telecommunication companies used to install separate booths or sale counters outside their stores to tackle rush of costumers. However, it is first time, when a company has installed booths and canopies on footpaths like vegetable stalls.

Meanwhile, residents can be seen making a beeline at Reliance Jio stalls as the company is offering SIM cards with free calling and internet services for a short duration.