KOLKATA: The state government has taken initiative to help people get a vehicle to reach to their destinations in case of an emergency, during the ongoing lockdown period. The initiative was initially taken in Kolkata and now the state government is extending the facility in other parts of the state, mainly the areas which come under the jurisdiction of six commissionerates. The initiative has been taken following direction of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
According to a senior official of the state government, all commissionerates and district police have been directed to set up a helpline number on which people can call to seek help if they need a vehicle in case of any emergency. The helpline numbers will be oper- ated from the headquarters of the commissionerates or that of the district police. One has to specify the reason for requesting the police to help them get a vehicle.If the police consider the reason to be valid, all steps will be taken to help them get the same. The police will also be having a data of a set of cars that can be sent to help a person. Each of the commissionerates and district police will be providing the helpline numbers in their respective websites, sources said.
In Kolkata, the state government has allowed 300 blue and white taxis to operate. The city-dwellers have expressed their satisfaction with the move of the state government. However, the state government has given clear direction to all concerned officers in districts to ensure that precautionary measures are maintained when a person will move from one point to another in the vehicle that the police will help them to arrange. There must not be more than four persons in a car, including the driver. One must also put on mask and social distancing must be maintained.