Jaipur, July 8 (IANS) Rajasthan has launched a month-long statewide drive to inspect private and government buses following recent road accidents and concerns over weak enforcement of safety norms. Authorities have warned that buses found violating safety or transport regulations will face immediate action, including fines and seizure.

The campaign commenced on Tuesday under the aegis of the Rajasthan State Legal Services Authority (RSLSA).

As part of the campaign, Secretaries (Judges) of the District Legal Services Authorities in 12 major cities, including Jaipur, will conduct surprise inspections with assistance from transport department officials.

The first phase will focus on long-distance luxury buses.

Authorities have decided that buses found violating safety or transport regulations will face immediate action, including fines and seizure. The decision follows the recent bus accident in Dausa district and comes in the backdrop of Supreme Court guidelines issued in connection with the Phalodi road accident case.

On Monday, RSLSA Member Secretary Hariom Attri held a video conference with Secretaries of the District Legal Services Authorities to review the campaign. He said the initiative has been launched under the directions of RSLSA Executive Chairman and Acting Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court, Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma, who has taken serious note of recent road safety incidents.

Attri instructed officials to seize buses operating in violation of the rules on the spot. He also directed them to educate passengers about their legal rights and assist eligible victims in filing claims before the Permanent Lok Adalat to seek compensation.

During the meeting, Judicial Officer Naveen Kilaniya raised concerns over buses registered in Nagaland and other neighbouring states operating in Rajasthan.

He informed participants that the matter has already been registered with the Special Operations Group (SOG).

Responding to the issue, Attri said that if adequate action is not being taken by the SOG, the matter would also be pursued seriously. He further directed district authority secretaries to expand inspections in the second phase of the campaign to include private and public transport buses found operating in violation of prescribed norms.

–IANS

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