LIP to launch special drive against ‘fleecing’ of public at parking lots

Harshraj Singh
Tribune News Service
Ludhiana, November 16

As the authorities concerned have failed to stop loot of visitors at various parking lots under the Municipal Corporation (MC), the district administration and Punjab Mandi Board, the Lok Insaaf Party (LIP) has decided to display helpline numbers at all sites to expose the ‘parking mafia’ in the city.

In a string operation conducted recently, the MC Joint Commissioner had caught the parking staff fleecing visitors at Mall Road, Feroze Gandhi Market and Bhadaur House. Following the sting operation, the MC Commissioner recommended cancellation of contract of the three parking lots, but the MC’s Finance and Contract Committee (F&CC) has delayed the action against the contractors.

Now, LIP chief-cum-MLA Simarjit Singh Bains said they would conduct a special drive to help visitors. He said the parking mafia was backed by some Congress leaders and they protected these erring contractors.

“The people are being looted at the parking lots, but the government is not serious to provide any relief. Earlier, the public was being fleeced during the tenure of the SAD-BJP government,” he said.

“We are also getting complaints from Sabji Mandi. After discussion with party members, we have decided to conduct a special drive. Helpline numbers will be displayed at all parking sites in Ludhiana to expose the parking mafia and their political bosses. Our team will reach the spot to help visitors,” he added.

Kapil Arora of Council of Engineers said, “It is shocking that the civic body is not canceling the contract despite having evidence against contractors. Mayor should act against the erring contractors.” Meeting of the F&CC was held on Tuesday and Wednesday, but the proposal to cancel contracts of the three parking lots was not presented before the committee.

Mayor Balkar Singh Sandhu said no table agenda was presented during the F&CC meeting held earlier this week. The proposal to cancel contract of the three contractors would be presented before the panel during next meeting, he added.