Ferozepur District Takes Action Against Travel Firms
The district administration in Ferozepur has taken a firm stance against regulatory violations. Officials have suspended the licenses of six travel and immigration firms operating in the area. This decisive move comes after these companies failed to comply with essential legal requirements.
Reasons Behind the Suspension
Authorities cited multiple reasons for the suspension. The firms did not renew their licenses on time. They continued operations even after their licenses expired. Additionally, they neglected to submit mandatory reports as per regulations.
Additional District Magistrate Nidhi Kumud Bambah issued the suspension orders. She acted under the Punjab Prevention of Human Smuggling Act, 2012, and its corresponding rules from 2013. This legislation is also known as the Punjab Travel Professional Regulation Act.
Violations of Legal Provisions
The license holders received written notices well in advance. They were instructed to apply for renewal at least two months before their licenses expired. Despite this clear directive, none of the six firms submitted renewal applications. They also did not surrender their old licenses.
This inaction directly violates Section 5(2) of the Act. The ADM emphasized that the firms operated without valid authorization, posing potential risks.
Immediate Consequences and Future Steps
The suspension took effect immediately. The concerned firms must now submit their replies within seven days of receiving the official notice. If they fail to respond within this period, authorities will assume they have no defense.
In such cases, ex parte proceedings will begin for the complete cancellation of their licenses. This process follows Section 6(e) of the Act, which allows for suspension based on such violations.
This action highlights the administration's commitment to enforcing travel regulations strictly. It aims to prevent illegal activities and ensure compliance with state laws designed to curb human smuggling.
