Patna, 28th March 2024: With Lok Sabha elections slated for June 1 in two constituencies of Patna, the district administration has kickstarted its preparations to ensure smooth conduct of the electoral process. A significant aspect of these arrangements involves the mobilization of vehicles, with approximately 4,000 vehicles anticipated to be necessary during the polling period.
Notices are being dispatched to vehicle owners by the administration, informing them of the upcoming requisitioning of their vehicles. Beginning May 25, the district administration plans to begin the process of confiscating vehicles deemed essential for election duties. The assessment report of these vehicles has been compiled and submitted to the District Election Officer cum District Magistrate by the Nodal Officer cum District Transport Officer of the Vehicle Cell.
According to officials, vehicles will be seized as per the requirements outlined for election operations. Confiscated vehicles will be housed at Gandhi Maidan for the duration of their deployment. Additionally, all schools are instructed to make their buses available for election duties.
The District Transport Officer emphasized that vehicles will only be confiscated as needed, and vehicle owners will be duly compensated. The rental rates for vehicles have been set between Rs 350 to Rs 3,500 per day, representing an approximate 30% increase from rates in 2019. Drivers will receive a daily wage of Rs 350.
To incentivize vehicle owners, an allowance of Rs 1,500 will be provided for the first day of deployment, covering a five-day period. Accommodation arrangements will be made at Gandhi Maidan, including provisions for entertainment with television facilities.
The Nodal Officer of the Vehicle Cell underscored the importance of adhering to the notices issued for vehicle acquisition, warning of strict repercussions for non-compliance.
Daily Rental Rates for Vehicles:
– Bus with more than 50 seat capacity: Rs 3,500
– Innova or Safari: Rs 2,100
– Auto or e-rickshaw: Rs 700
– Motorcycle: Rs 350
– Tractor or trailer: Rs 1,000
– Mini Truck: Rs 1,700
– Scorpio or Qualis or Tavera: Rs 1,900
– Small car with AC: Rs 1,100
