Punjab government accommodates genuine grievances of travel agents

Chandigarh, January 12, 2014: The Punjab Government has accepted various representations made by the travel agents to prevent human smuggling in the State.
Disclosing this here today a spokesman of Punjab Government said that after a series of discussions, Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister Punjab has decided to accept all the suggestions made by the travel agents. He has asked the Principal Secretary Home to move an appropriate memorandum to the Cabinet to amend the Prevention of Human Smuggling Act (PHSA).
It is mentioned here that the Associations had expressed an apprehension that being licensees under the PHSA, it puts them at a disadvantage when they apply to various Embassies and Universities. Moreover, a license on their premises under the Act makes their work and conduct questionable. They have suggested that the name of the Act may be changed to the Travel Industries Regulation Act to which Punjab Government has agreed with the proposal.
He added that the Associations also wanted amendments in Section 10 of the Act which provides for "power to search, seizure of conveyance, place and arrest of persons."  The Associations had an apprehension that they may face harassment at the hands of the police officers who may take suo moto cognizance of the frivolous complaints made by persons who are denied a visa by the Embassy concerned for no fault of the Travel Agent. It may also happen that the students may face difficulty at the University. Subsequently he may level false allegations against the Education Consultants etc. In this regard    felling their apprehension as genuine and a safeguard has been put in place that any client who wishes to take punitive action against the Education Consultant/Travel Agent or Ticketing Agency may make a complaint to the Deputy Commissioner in the first instance. The DC would verify the same himself or get the same verified from the A.D.C. or SDM concerned. Only after being found guilty, punitive measures should be initiated.
Another issue raised was regarding Section 6 concerning "Cancellation or Suspension of license." The Punjab Government agreeing to their proposal with the safeguard that the number of applications pending on the date of suspension would be intimated to the Authority on the day of suspension itself.
The Associations had some suggestions regarding Section-7 of the Act regarding "Travel agent to inform the competent authority" about advertisements. The state Government agreed that their suggestion that if the license number is printed, then prior information need not be given to the competent authority before advertising in the print, electronic or online media.           The Associations had also serious misgivings about Section 13 of the Act regarding "Penalties." A view was expressed that a minimum punishment of 3 years may be excessive in view of the nature of the crime committed or offenses made. It has been agreed that the penalty of a minimum period of 3 years is excessive. The Punjab Government would allow the Courts to decide the quantum of punishment which may be extended upto 7 years depending upon the crime committed/offences made.
Besides this, the Associations had also made suggestions for amendment of Rules to submit details of clients and charged fees every month. It was decided that Consultancy firm would furnish intimation on a bi-annual (six monthly basis). Besides, they would also give information about the tickets sold to the Deputy Commissioner's concerned online on a monthly basis.
The Associations had expressed serious misgivings about the fee to be deposited by them. After detailed discussions,
It was also decided that the Consultancy firms who have been in operation for more than 5 years and who have to deposit Rs.1.00 lakh may deposit the same in one installment or in 5 equal installments. Similarly, the Ticketing Agents who have to deposit Rs.25000 may deposit Rs.10000 in first installment and the balance in 4 equal installments. The state government has also accepted their suggestion regarding 100 sq feet of space/accommodation required to carry on the profession under these rules.
He affirmed that after implementation of this Act, Malta type tragedies would not recur nor would Punjabi youth get stranded in Iraq, African, Latin American or former CIS countries.// punjab news live, punjab news online, punjab news, punjab news headlines, punjab breaking news, india news, punjab news,