In a logic-defying decision that would cause a lot of inconvenience to patients and their attendants, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) authorities have banned the entry of cycle-rickshaw on the campus.
PGI sources said that the ban had been imposed on the pretext that cycle-rickshaws caused "traffic congestion" on the campus.
The ban, imposed without any written order, has put patients and others - not arriving on the campus on their own four- and two-vehicles and auto-rickshaws - to lot of hardships, particularly those from outside Chandigarh.
Security staff posted at the entrance gates to the PGI institute shoo away rickshaw-pullers as soon as they see them approaching, irrespective of whether they are ferrying patients and/or their attendants to different departments.
It is pertinent to mention here that different departments on the PGI's sprawling campus are at quite a distance from entry gates and it is quite taxing for those on foot to commute between different blocks and departments.
"This simply is unfair and discriminatory. One can understand the bias for private vehicles, since money generated by overcharging private vehicles at parking lots must be filling many pockets," said Dr Gaurav Chhabra, a city-based social activist.
{{/usCountry}}"This simply is unfair and discriminatory. One can understand the bias for private vehicles, since money generated by overcharging private vehicles at parking lots must be filling many pockets," said Dr Gaurav Chhabra, a city-based social activist.
{{/usCountry}}A ban on a mode of public transport, which is by its inherent character produces no sound and is non-polluting, on the campus not only reflects lack of management skills on the part of PGI administration but also insensitivity towards a large chunk of population, Dr Chhabra remarked.
PGI officiating spokesman, Dr Pankaj Kapoor, could not be contacted for comments despite several attempts.