Traders question Punjab government’s move to run buses at full seating capacity

Avneet Kaur

Jalandhar, June 28

The recent move of the Captain Amarinder-led Congress government to lift restrictions on the passenger capacity in all buses, including mini-buses, has not gone well with residents, especially traders, it seems.

Raising objections, they said the decision was uncalled for and it would further spread the virus. They said on the one hand the government was issuing Rs 2,000 challans to those owners of shops and commercial places who have been violating social-distancing norm and on the other it had given ago ahead to ferry passengers on its full capacity. They said the risk of contracting the virus in buses was all-time high.

“Everyone is bearing the brunt of Covid-19 and increase in fuel prices, but that doesn’t mean a particular sector is bound to get relief, as it’s not the transporters who are suffering financial losses alone. Rather, each and every person has been going through the same situation,” said, Nitin Arora, who owns a gift shop near Goal Market.

He said if the government’s statement of wearing mask — that it can reduce the spread of Covid-19 by 70 per cent — is to be believed, then the 50 per cent capacity bar that has been implied on hotels and restaurants should also be lifted.

Another resident, Kanwarpreet, a media professional said: “We have been adhering to all steps of the government after unlock 0.1. However, if we take notice of government’s move, it seems they have already given up giving a clear indication that people are responsible for their health now.”

Moreover, if lifting restrictions would improve someone’s financial situation, then educational institutions, too, should be allowed to start functioning with students joining back and adhering to precautionary measures from the respective institute’s end. Also, when you can go to a restaurant and shop anywhere as most of the busiest markets are open now, then schools, colleges, malls and gyms among other things should also be opened, he said.

Jagdeep Singh, who owns a readymade garments store in Rainak Bazaar, said: “We have been facing a huge financial loss due to this lockdown. And now, when shops were allowed to open, there are a lot of restrictions on people travelling by two-wheelers or cars, due to which customers are avoiding visiting shops.” He said lately, a shop owner close to his shop was challaned for allowing four persons to his shop at the same time.

Ajay Wadwa of Wadwa Collections said: “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? Let it be clear that no social distancing is required and only wearing face masks is mandatory. It seems the government is really confused.”

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