J&K Govt Makes Reserved Seats Mandatory For Women, Specially-Abled In Public Transport

JAMMU, May 24: The Jammu and Kashmir Transport Department has made it mandatory for all Public Service Vehicles across the Union Territory to reserve seats for women and specially-abled persons, warning transport operators of strict action, including suspension or cancellation of permits, for violations.

According to a circular issued by the Transport Commissioner’s office, authorities found that earlier directions regarding reserved seating were not being implemented properly, causing inconvenience to women and persons with disabilities.

The department said seats numbered 1 to 12 in big buses and 1 to 9 in medium and mini buses shall remain exclusively reserved for women and specially-abled passengers. The reservation has now been made part of the official permit conditions for public transport vehicles.

The circular directed operators to clearly mark all reserved seats with the words “Reserved for Women and Specially-abled Persons” in bold white letters on the seat backs or adjacent vehicle body for easy visibility.

Authorities said the responsibility for compliance and proper display of markings will rest with vehicle owners and operators, while drivers and conductors have been made personally responsible for enforcing the policy inside vehicles.

The government clarified that reserved seats may be occupied by others only when no eligible passenger is present, but such seats must be vacated immediately once a woman or specially-abled person boards the vehicle.

The department also instructed enforcement agencies, including the Motor Vehicles Department and Traffic Police, to conduct regular inspections and special drives at bus stands, transit points and during routine vehicle checking to ensure compliance.

The circular warned that violations would invite legal action under Section 192A of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, relating to breach of permit conditions. Penalties may include fines, suspension of permits and cancellation of permits in case of repeated violations.

Regional Transport Officers and Assistant Regional Transport Officers have been directed to verify compliance during inspections, fitness certification and permit processing, with instructions to act immediately against any deviation.

Transport Commissioner Vishesh Paul Mahajan appealed to transport operators and the public to ensure safety, dignity and comfort for women and specially-abled passengers in public transport.

“Let us all decide to behave as true gentlemen and good citizens and ensure that not only we provide seats to our women and specially abled but make them feel safe and welcomed in public transport,” he said. (Agencies)