Government’s decision may jeopardise future activities

Open House: Is the decision to allow buses to run at full capacity justified?

Social distancing will take a hit

Given the present scenario of Covid-19 pandemic, the decision of the state government to allow buses to run at full seating capacity is not justified. The decision is immature and is inconsistent with the overall efforts being made to contain the spread of Covid which has recently shown a rapid surge. There will be no compliance of physical distancing norms and the public will be unnecessarily exposed to the chronic risks of being infected on a large scale. It appears that the decision is influenced by the transport mafia at the cost of greater public interests. The decision must be reversed immediately in order to restore the status quo. The matter may be reviewed later in case there is visible improvement in emerging fresh cases.

Jagdish Chander

Safety of passengers IS of prime importance

The decision of the Government of Punjab to allow the state-owned buses to run on full capacity will just thwart our attempts of fighting against Covid-19. Physical distancing between people is the most potent weapon against the dreaded virus. The decision of the state government is clearly unjustified in this backdrop. The government should realise that their primary responsibility is to protect the lives of people.

Dr Gulbahar S Sidhu

Revoke the decision with immediate effect

The state government’s decision to allow running of buses at their full seating capacity cannot be justified in view of the worsening Covid-19 situation. The observance of physical distancing norms to check the spread of virus will not be practically possible in public transport. It is important to save the public from impending threats to their lives rather to appease a small section of bus transporters. The decision needs to be revoked for greater public good.

Shashi Kiran

Govt move seems to be self-contradictory

It is strange that the Punjab Government lifted the passenger seating capacity restrictions in the middle of crisis. Though the decision has been taken to safeguard the interests of the transporters (who were suffering huge financial losses due to increasing fuel prices) and commuters who could not afford personal vehicles, the decision of the government is self-contradictory and uncalled for. At a time when it is striving hard to ensure social distancing and hygiene protocols by penalising the violators, this decision is hard to digest. Will wearing masks and using sanitisers in the buses be enough to contain the transmission of virus infection? How will the bus staff ensure that all passengers fully adhere to the mandatory safety precautions? Isn’t the government evading its responsibility of securing public health and well-being and shifting it to the people? At a time when university, college and school examinations are postponed keeping in view the sudden surge in Covid cases, the government should re-consider its earlier decision regarding opening of liquor shops, hotels and restaurants. It is not wise to improve the financial situation at the cost of precious human lives. If buses can be run on full capacity, why can’t the authorities allow normal functioning of educational institutions, malls, swimming pools, gyms and cinema halls.

DS Kang

Government seems confused

Everyone is shocked by the state government’s move to run buses at full seating capacity. On the one hand, the state government is running a campaign named ‘Mission Fateh’, in which they are appealing to people of Punjab to observe social distancing norms, and on the other, the state government has allowed buses to run at full seating capacity. It seems the government is really confused. If you drive a car, you are not supposed to take more than two persons with you, though they are your family members and stays with you 24*7. If you violate this, hefty fine would be imposed. What kind of government model is this? In a bus, everyone is a stranger and one is sitting so close to each other, but in a car, even family members are not allowed to sit next to each other. The rules should be same for all. But the state government is just making money out of it by allowing buses to run at full seating capacity which is precarious.

Saahil Hans

Offer level-playing field to all businesses

The state government’s decision is completely wrong and biased as experts are saying that Covid-19 is going to stay with us and we have to learn to live with it. Even the WHO has reported that the spike in the spread of the virus is yet to come. Then, why is the government putting the lives of people at risk by allowing buses to run at full capacity? The traders are right in questioning the government’s move. Shops and commercial establishments are fined and challaned to the tune of Rs2,000 for violating social-distancing norms, then why allow concessions to transporters? Even hotels and restaurants are allowed only 50 per cent capacity with social distancing. Cinemas and bars are also shut. So, the question arises as to why is the government magnanimous towards transporters? It seems the government has some soft corner for the said business for the reasons best known to it. People sitting in a cinema hall would be less closer than those sitting in buses as the chances of getting infected by Covid-19 is more in buses than in cinemas. The government should revise its decision and offer level playing field to all businesses. It’s rightly said that justice must not only be done but seen to be done.

Dr JS Wadhwa

Following norms need of the hour

The state’s decision to start running buses at their full seating capacity can turn out to be quite reciprocative. It is a fact that the government has not been able to earn enough through their public transport system. But that does not mean one has to jump into the raging fire. In the aftermath of un-lockdown 1.0, the case load is skyrocketing with Covid-19 baring its real fangs to scare all. The need of the hour is to follow the laid down safety and security norms. Going down the annals of history, we come across many instances when determined and brave Punjabis rose to the occasion and even led others from the front with firmness in their heart. Same zeal and zest is expected now as well. So, all of us, including our public representatives, need to exercise some restraint and take decisions after weighing all pros and cons. A lot of questions need to be answered – how will the concept of social distancing be followed in principle in buses with all seats occupied? Our worthy benefactors should refrain from adopting suicidal measures and better focus on keeping the life and health of its subjects safe. With the recent upsurge in the count of people affected by corona wave, all of us need to be more proactive and step out of our homes only if essentially required. In compendium, I think the elected representatives must ponder over rolling back their decision for the welfare of all of us.

Simranjeet Singh Saini

decision of punjab govt is fallacious

The government’s decision to run buses at full seating capacity is fallacious. The question is when the government has now permitted bus travel with full occupancy, then why is money being minted by issuing challans to innocent people? The government should be clear on the fact that no social distancing is required and only wearing face masks is mandatory. It means the government is not much worried about people. All that the government wants is just to make money. Is this some kind of joke? We chose the government for our better lives, but after making this decision, the state government is playing with our lives. The risk of spreading the virus in buses is very high. If buses run at full seating capacity, social distancing norms will go for a toss. This decision will bring big relief to bus operators and their business will increase, but at the cost of innocent lives? The government needs to be vigilant because this decision may jeopardise the future activities.

SHAILJA THAKUR

QUESTION

Methanol in hand sanitiser: Amid the new FDA warnings, are consumers wary of the sanitisers they use? Do they think enough is being done by the authorities to ensure their safety?

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