mobanmarketDubai: Truck drivers wearing ‘lungis’ and vests will now be fined Rs2000 (Dh102) in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Lungis are a sarong like garment worn in the Indian subcontinent. It is wrapped around waist and the length extends till the ankles. In UP, lorry drivers and their assistants often choose to wear the comfortable garment on long journeys. Now, they have to get out of their comfort zone and wear only full pants and T-shirts/shirts. They must also wear closed shoes whenever driving the vehicle.
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The amended law applies not just to the drivers but their assistants or the cleaners according to the updated Motor Vehicles Act.
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The amended traffic fine has fueled a debate on Twitter India, an unnecessary rule said some, feeling that it was just a way for traffic police to mint money, while others agreed it’s a safety precaution.
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Tweep @lotophagus posted: “What incredibly classist elitist snobbery is this. Have ANY of these rule-making bureaucrats ever sat for one hour inside a truck/lorry cabin in summer?”
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There were a few who said that the state government has got it’s priorities wrong and should be focusing on other more important social issues.
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Speaking to media, Lucknow’s Assistant Superintendent of Police (Traffic) Poornendu Singh explained that the dress code has been a part of the Motor VehoicAct since 1939. “A fine of 500 rupees was introduced when the Act was amended in 1989 for violation of the dress code. Now a fine of 2000 rupees will be imposed under section 179 of MV ACT 2019 on those who will be found violating the dress code,” he said.
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A proper dress code is also mandatory for drivers of school vans and government vehicles. Additional Transport Commissioner (UP) Gangaphal said that the new Act gives powers to the states to introduce safety rules and impose hefty fines in case of violation. He said that “lungi-vest” will be unacceptable in view of the dress code. “The rule will be for everyone, even if it is a government vehicle driver,” he added.
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