Indian Express, 26 March 2011
Having received a ‘good’ response from the public at large and from rickshaw pullers in Amritsar, Punjab Chief Secretary has written to all Deputy Commissioners (DC) of the state asking them to explore the possibility of introducing eco-rickshaw cabs in other districts as well.
An affidavit to this effect was produced by Deputy Advocate General, Punab Sudeepti Sharma. Filed by Hussan Lal, IAS, Secretary Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Punjab.
The affidavit reads: “The Department of Tourism is in agreement with the report on Eco rickshaw cabs by Deputy Commissioner, Amritsar and DC, Ferozepur and suggested that it shall be in public interest if these eco rickshaw cabs are introduced in other districts as well. In view of the report from DC, Amritsar, the Chief Secretary, Punjab has written to all the other DCs for exploring the possibility of implementing this project in other districts as well.”
It was on the basis of a news item published by The Indian Express that the then Chief Justice Mukul Mudgal of the High Court had taken suo motu cognizance and issued notices to Chandigarh and the States of Punjab and Haryana asking them to explain as to why eco-cabs should not be introduced in the States. The case has been adjourned to April 8.
