The Government Assurance Committee of the Legislature on Water Resources, Transport, Labour and Higher Education has recommended that the state government hike the fine amount for overloading vehicles.
The report was tabled in the Legislative Assembly by chairman of the Committee, MLA Tanveer Sait, here on Monday.
The Committee stated that the menace of overloading is continuing despite imposition of fine on vehicles.
“Drivers are committing offences repeatedly despite paying fine to authorities concerned. Roads maintained by ZPs have become the worst because of their inability to bear additional weight. Fine amount collected from drivers for overloading is going to the government treasury but is not being spent on repair of such roads. Since the government does not have the power to repair roads belonging to ZPs, there is a need for an amendment to the existing rules,” stated the Committee.
The Committee recommended increasing compensation to commuters who sustain injuries while travelling in the government buses to a minimum of `20,000 and a maximum of `50,000.
Water Resources
The panel directed the government to fix three years for contractors for projects and also to appoint supervisors to monitor the works. Irrigation projects should be given top priority to help farmers. Small check dams should be constructed in watershed areas. The Committee has recommended the appointment of a permanent commissioner and an amendment to Cadre and Recruitment Rules for Department of Employment and Training.
CABINET DECISIONS
Cabinet declares another 28 taluks as drought-hit. With this, the total number of drought-hit taluks rose to 126. `102 crore earmarked to take up drought relief works in these taluks.
Decides to submit a memorandum to the Union government to include Bestha (fishermen) community to ST list.
Gives approval to buy 487 buses for KSRTC under JNNURM scheme from Tata Motors at a cost of `184.12 crore. Also gives approval to buy 500 buses for BMTC under the same scheme from Ashok Leyland at a cost of `245 crore.
Renewal of lease of land to Summanahalli Leprosy Rehabilitation Centre referred to Law Department. Land has been given to the NGO at Begger’s Colony on Magadi Main Road, Bangalore
Cabinet gives assent to improvement of transport infrastructure in Hubli city.
Cabinet gives clearance to four drinking water schemes in Tumkur district.