Pardeep Singh Bali
Jammu, Oct 2 : Rupees 20, 50, 100 and so on are not just currency notes, but the names by what drivers points out particular traffic cop in the Jammu city, which becomes fatty for the cops positioned at highways.
Interestingly, senior officials of the traffic department are also tagged with such names, besides low ranked cops. The drivers mocked that the names are labeled to them (traffic cops) based on the amount they demand from the drivers.
"We are like regular customer to many traffic cops in Jammu and now it is a regular to shell out some percentage of earning to them," alleged a driver Ravi, adding that higher officials are hand-in-gloves with low ranked cops in fleecing drivers.
He said that "no matter, the driver is legitimate or not, but he (driver) should have knowledge of cop's share. Within the city, there are many officers of traffic department from constable to inspector, who have been taking money on daily basis," the driver claimed, further revealing that most of the drivers plying on the city roads have shelved monthly share for these cops and a record of the same is maintained with the driver.Taking dig at higher officials of the traffic department, he said that due to the negligent and apathetic approach of the officials, the drivers are encouraged to rash driving. "Taking advantage of the traffic department's approach, many drivers took to gross traffic violations," he said.
He acknowledged that no driver bothers about the traffic rules, as they know how to tackle officials.
"Rs 20 to 100, is all what an erroneous driver has to pay in the name of punishment for breaching any traffic rule," said driver. Ridiculing rabid approach of drivers, senior officials in traffic department said that the drivers are habitual of violating rules; they make fun of others who try to rope them and are leveling allegations of corruption against them. "There is no uncertainty in saying that there are some elements in the department, who are promoting corruption, but the department is working on them and very soon this menace would be eradicated," assured official wishing anonymity. |
