In a move to discourage men from occupying seats meant for ladies, Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has come up with a new rule. A fine will be slapped on men, who tend to disrespect the already established rule of reserved seats.
Even when there are signs indicating reservation of seat, men usually ignore it and even conductors do not react in most occasions. This will not be the case anymore, said Anjum Parvez, managing director of BMTC. "We have three rows reserved for ladies in the buses, which many a times are occupied by men. We were getting lot of complaints about this and requests have come from women to take up the matter seriously. We didn't have any provision nor any power because previously it was in the hands of the Transport Department. With the recent amendment of the provision, we have authorised the line check inspectors who go on inspection. They have been empowered to take a fine of `100 from male passengers who are seen seated on the ladies seat," said Anjum.
On enforcing this rule which they plan to start in a couple of days, Anjum said, "We have made 60 teams who will be accompanied by one lady inspector. They will conduct the rounds all across the city and check if men are seated on ladies seats. And if so, then they have to pay a spot fine. Conductors cannot take the fine. They can only request them to get up from the ladies seat. Check inspectors will take charge of this issue." Women seem to welcome this new initiative. "This rule should have been implemented a few years ago. I am glad that at least they are taking such initiatives now. Every time we step into the bus, we ladies end up only standing throughout the journey. Even when we request, men act ignorant. Instead they show us dirty faces. I am glad that finally the concerned authorities are taking steps to solve the issue," said Naomi, a beauty advisor who usually takes the G3 route to reach Brigade Road.
Ajay S, who works in the Army is equally concerned. "It is a good move if the ladies use the seats allotted to them. Men can use it only if it is vacant. When they see a lady, they have to make way for her immediately.” Another passenger Yashodha, who takes 362 C bus route said, "Forget us, we are young and still manage to stand. But some men do not even get up for old people. We can't even argue with them as they just argue back," she said.
Conductor Nagaraj L said, "We can only request them to leave the seat. It mostly happens during peak hours and during such time, it is impossible to maintain the rules as most of the time we are busy managing the crowd and checking on passes and collecting ticket fee."
