Dibrugarh: Tea garden and construction workers in Tinsukia district can no longer be transported in trucks, pickups or other goods vehicles, with the district administration ordering employers to arrange proper passenger vehicles for their commute.The order, issued by district magistrate Sumit Sattawan on Wednesday, followed the administration’s observation that workers were being carried in goods and cargo vehicles, which it said is unsafe and contrary to provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.The administration directed tea garden owners, factory managements and construction contractors to arrange buses, minibuses or vans with adequate seating to transport workers, and to refrain from using goods vehicles to carry labourers.The order said such practices could endanger workers’ lives and safety and could lead to serious accidents. It cited Section 66 of the Motor Vehicles Act, which requires transport vehicles to be used in accordance with permit conditions.“Workers should be transported only in proper passenger vehicles with adequate seating facilities. The use of goods/cargo vehicles for carrying labourers will not be permitted,” the order stated.The administration warned that violations would invite legal action under the Motor Vehicles Act and other applicable laws.The senior superintendent of police and the district transport officer were directed to ensure strict enforcement and take action against violations.
