Government vehicles going for election duty

Government vehicles going for election duty

Ahead of the State Assembly elections, the District Election Officer (DEO) has instructed all the state and Central government department heads to handover their vehicles for election duty. The Regional Transport Office (RTO) staff are now busy stopping government vehicles. However, at present, vehicles belonging to IAS, IPS and KAS officers are not being stopped.

The Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) DEO in a notice to all the heads of the government departments said that a large number of vehicles were needed to conduct hassle-free election, and they were procuring vehicles owned, or being used by the Central, state government departments and public sector undertakings along with the drivers.

Traffic police along with the RTO officials were seen stopping government vehicles commuting on roads.

Nandeesha S N, motar vehicle inspector, RTO, said he had been instructed to take vehicles under their control which are designated for election duty.

He said government vehicles along with those belonging to various Boards and Corporations would be utilised for election purposes.

“There are 10 RTO offices in Bangalore. A team of three-personnel, including a constable and a motor vehicle inspector from each RTO, has been assigned for this task. These teams which will work across the city will stop the government vehicles. The department to which the vehicle belongs to will be verified and if that particular department is on our list, we will procure the vehicle immediately. We will make an alternative transport arrangement for the official using such a vehicle,” he said.

DEO Speaks

Speaking to Express, Dr R Vishal, DEO, said there are two different types of vehicles that would be used for election duty; four wheelers and buses.

“As of now, we need four wheelers for vigilance teams, election observers, police, election returning officers, excise department staff and other personnel,” he said.

Dr Vishal further said as on Friday, they were able to get around 200 vehicles from various departments.

“We are expecting more vehicles as some of the departments are yet to send their vehicles. We are trying to manage with government vehicles. However, we might need private vehicles in coming days. Private operators charges `2,000 to `2,500 per day and it is a huge expenditure. Therefore, we are being more cautious and are procuring  government vehicles as and when required,” the district election officer said.

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