Shillong, Aug 20: The Meghalaya Government Drivers’ Welfare Association has urged the state government to avoid deploying government vehicles in vulnerable areas in light of the KSU rally violence where several government vehicles were damaged and torched.
Association president C Syiemlieh said some drivers sustained minor injuries while on duty during Tuesday’s violence and expressed concern over the safety of drivers who have to operate official vehicles even in risky situations.
The association requested the government to issue necessary instructions to all departments and directorates to avoid unnecessary movement of government vehicles in vulnerable pockets.
It suggested that wherever feasible, government drivers may be allowed to use their officers’ private vehicles for routine office purposes for the time being till the situation normalizes.
“Essential and emergency duties may, however, continue with adequate security arrangements,” the association said in its letter.
It also pointed out that despite working in difficult conditions, government drivers are not provided any Risk Allowance and urged the government to consider its long-standing demand for the same.
The association hoped that immediate steps would be taken for the safety and welfare of government drivers and for protection of government property.
Security norms tightened for official vehicles after KSU rally violence
Meanwhile, the Secretariat Administration Department, in an office order issued on Wednesday, has directed all ministers, advisers, chairmen and officers who have been allotted government vehicles to ensure their safety, making it clear that the instructions are to be followed without exception.
The government has asked that official vehicles be parked only at designated secure locations within the Secretariat or at places specifically approved by the competent authority, and has cautioned against leaving them unattended in public places, especially during late evening and night hours.
Where a vehicle is kept at an officer’s private residence, the order says, the officer must ensure it is parked securely and protected from theft or vandalism.
It has further warned drivers against leaving keys inside unattended vehicles or handing them over to unauthorised persons, and against storing any inflammable material, fuel containers or other hazardous substances in or around the vehicle.
Drivers have been asked to carry out a basic security check before leaving a vehicle for the night, ensuring it is properly locked, windows are closed and no valuables or official documents are left inside.
In cases where a vehicle is to remain parked for an extended period, particularly during holidays or when the Secretariat is closed, it should be kept at the designated secure parking area with information to the controlling authority.
Any damage, attempted theft, suspicious activity or unauthorised use must be reported immediately, and in case of loss, theft or vandalism, a police complaint should be filed without any delay.
The order, issued by Secretary Swapnil Tembe, also said that in the event of any untoward incident, the matter should be immediately reported to the Police Control Room.
