Addressing concerns over excessive fines imposed on auto rickshaw drivers, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced a significant policy revision during a cabinet briefing today. Effective immediately, auto rickshaws and rickshaws will only face fines after five or more offenses.
"We have received complaints that traffic police are imposing fines on poor auto rickshaw drivers," stated CM Sarma. Under the new guidelines, auto rickshaws and rickshaws will not be fined for the first four violations. Only after committing violations for the fifth time will fines be imposed.
Furthermore, the revised policy extends to two-wheelers, where fines will now only be issued for not wearing helmets. Penalties for other offenses, such as missing documents, will no longer apply to scooters and bikes. The transport department has been tasked with developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure clarity and uniformity in implementation.
"Last year, the government could only collect around 6-7 crores. There is no point in harassing people, especially the poor, over such small amounts," said CM Sarma.