The Indore Regional Transport Office (RTO) has asked educational institutions and private bus operators to lend their buses for poll duty during the upcoming assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh.
In a letter to the institutions and bus operators, the RTO Indore has said that the vehicles will be used to transport polling staff and security personnel to and from polling booths. The RTO has also said that the owners of the vehicles will be paid a rent for using their vehicles for poll duty. The rent will be based on the type of vehicle and the distance travelled.
The RTO has appealed to the institutions and bus operators to cooperate with the government in ensuring a smooth and fair election process.
The assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh are scheduled to be held in November-December 2023. The RTO has said that it will need around 10,000 buses for poll duty.The RTO has also said that it will start the process of registration of vehicles for poll duty soon. The registration process will be online and the owners of the vehicles will be required to upload documents such as the registration certificate, insurance certificate and fitness certificate of the vehicle.
The RTO has said that the selection of vehicles for poll duty will be based on certain criteria such as the age of the vehicle, the condition of the vehicle and the availability of drivers. And that the owners of the vehicles will be provided with training on poll duty procedures.
Political party statements on the issue
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has welcomed the RTO’s decision to ask schools and colleges to provide buses for poll duty. The BJP has said that the move will help to ensure that polling staff and materials are transported safely and on time.
The Indian National Congress (INC) has criticized the RTO’s decision. The INC has said that the move is an unnecessary burden on schools and colleges. The INC has also said that the RTO should have made arrangements with private bus operators instead of asking schools and colleges for help.
In a statement, the INC said, “The RTO’s decision is an unnecessary burden on schools and colleges. The RTO should have made arrangements with private bus operators instead of asking schools and colleges for help. The RTO should also provide adequate compensation to the schools and colleges for the use of their buses.”
Impact of the RTO’s decision on educational institutions
The impact of the RTO’s decision on educational institutions is still unclear. Some institutions have said that they will be able to manage without their buses by extending Diwali breaks while others have said that they will have to make adjustments to their schedules. So the reactions are mixed at best.
The RTO has appealed to the people of Indore to come forward and help the government in conducting a fair and peaceful election.