ARTO Issues Public Notice Making Conductor’s Licence Mandatory for Buses, Mini Buses

ARTO Issues Public Notice Making Conductor’s Licence Mandatory for Buses, Mini Buses
The Alert News
Kishtwar, Dec 17: The Motor Vehicles Department, Kishtwar, has issued a public notice directing all operators and owners of Stage Carriage Vehicles, including buses and mini buses, to strictly comply with the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, regarding the mandatory requirement of a valid conductor’s licence.

According to the notice issued by the Office of the Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO), Kishtwar, under Section 29 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, no person shall act as a conductor of a stage carriage unless he holds a valid and effective conductor’s licence issued by the competent authority. The notice further clarifies that vehicle owners and operators are prohibited from employing any person as a conductor who is not duly licensed.

The ARTO has instructed all stage carriage operators to ensure immediate compliance with this requirement within seven days from the date of issuance of the public notice. The move aims to strengthen enforcement of transport laws and enhance road safety by ensuring that only authorised and qualified personnel are engaged as conductors in public transport vehicles.

The notice warns that failure to comply with the directive will invite legal action under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and the rules framed thereunder. In such cases, action may be initiated against both the vehicle owner and the driver.

The public notice, bearing reference number ARTO/TKR/2025-26/3963-67 and dated December 17, 2025, has been signed by Tasleem Javaid, JKAS, Assistant Regional Transport Officer, Kishtwar.

Copies of the notice have been forwarded to senior officials including the Transport Commissioner, J&K Government, Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Senior Superintendent of Police Kishtwar, Regional Transport Officer Jammu, Deputy Superintendent of Police Traffic Doda–Kishtwar Axis, District Traffic Inspector Kishtwar, and the President of the Transport Union (Buses/Mini Buses) Kishtwar for information and necessary action.

The Transport Union has also been urged to ensure immediate compliance among its members, failing which strict action will be taken as per law.