A scheme launched to improve traffic management in Jaipur has run into controversy, with traffic marshals alleging non-payment of wages and abrupt removal from duty. A large number of marshals staged a protest on Monday, gathering at Ramniwas Bagh before marching to the Civil Lines residence of former minister Pratap Singh Khachariyawas to raise their concerns.
Allegations of Non-Payment and Dismissal
Marshal Raja Gurjar claimed that salaries from February to April have not been paid. He alleged that after a new Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) took charge, the official WhatsApp group was shut down, and marshals were informally told not to report for duty. Another marshal, Hansraj Pipriwal, said appointments made under former DCP Sumit Mehrada are now being changed, with removals taking place without written orders.
Former Minister Criticizes the Move
Khachariyawas criticized the move, saying, “Traffic conditions in the city are already poor, with people stuck in jams for hours. Removing traffic marshals will only worsen the situation. Instead, their numbers should be increased as per requirement.” He emphasized that the initiative was meant to address manpower shortages in traffic management.
Details of the Scheme
Under the scheme, 1,009 posts were approved for Jaipur out of 1,419 sanctioned across the state. Marshals began duty on January 20 alongside police personnel and were to receive a monthly honorarium of Rs 6,000. The initiative, modeled on systems in Delhi and Mumbai, aimed to alleviate traffic congestion and improve enforcement.
No Response from Authorities
Repeated attempts to contact Traffic DCP Yogesh Goyal for comment went unanswered. The protest highlights ongoing issues with the implementation of the traffic marshal program, which has faced criticism from both marshals and local leaders.
