The Haryana Government Transport Department on August 8th 2024 has introduced a new scheme to support contractors and shopkeepers operating at bus stands across Haryana. This initiative, announced on August 8, 2024, is designed to alleviate financial hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Objective: To assist contractors and shopkeepers facing financial difficulties due to reduced activities at bus stands during the pandemic, this scheme provides rent relief for the specified period affected by COVID-19 restrictions.
Key Details of the Scheme
Quantum of Assistance:
Waiver of Shop Rent:
100% Waiver: For the period from April 1, 2020, to June 30, 2020.
50% Waiver: For the period from July 1, 2020, to July 31, 2020.
Unpaid Rent: Contractors/shopkeepers who did not pay rent during these periods and are facing legal proceedings will be settled in accordance with this scheme. They will also remain eligible to participate in future auctions for booths, shops, or stands.
Commencement and Applicability:
The scheme becomes effective from the date of its notification. The waiver, refund, or adjustment applies specifically for the period from April 1, 2020, to July 31, 2020.
Eligibility Criteria:
Contract Validity: Contractors/shopkeepers must have had a valid contract with the General Manager (GM), Haryana Roadways as of March 20, 2020.
Contract Compliance: They should not have violated the terms of their contract or government policy regarding the auction of bus stand shops.
Payment History: They must have settled all dues to the department as per the contract terms.
Application Procedure:
Submission: Applications for rent waiver, adjustment, or refund must be submitted to the concerned GM of Haryana Roadways within 30 days of this notification which is September 7th 2024. Proof of payment must accompany the application.
Processing: The GM will process the application and communicate any deficiencies within 10 working days. Applicants will have 2 weeks to address these deficiencies.
Rejection and Reopening: If deficiencies are not addressed, claims will be rejected. Rejected claims can be reopened by the Director State Transport upon request within 30 days of rejection.
Competent Authority:
Sanctioning Authority: The Additional Director of the Department of State Transport, Haryana, will be responsible for sanctioning the waiver/adjustment/refund benefits.
Appeals:
Appeal Process: Appeals against the GM’s decisions can be made to the Director State Transport, Haryana. No further appeals will be accepted beyond this appellate authority.
Interpretation of Rules:
Final Interpretation: The Administrative Secretary of Transport, Haryana, will make final interpretations of the scheme’s provisions.
Budgetary Provision and Implementation:
Funding: The scheme will be funded from the existing budget of the Transport Department under the subhead RENT, RATE and TAXES
The Haryana Government’s initiative provides crucial support to bus stand contractors and shopkeepers affected by the pandemic. By offering significant rent relief, the scheme aims to ease financial pressures and ensure continuity of business operations at Haryana Roadways bus stands.
