Life on Street!

Once, Ahmedabad Traffic Police applied an innovative idea to create awareness about wearing Helmet.

They gave rose to those two-wheeler drivers who were not wearing helmet. That created a buzz and embarrassed those who were given Rose in public. That was impactful and an act well played out to spread the message strongly.

But, have we ever approached any Traffic Police and given them Rose for good job done by them? Once i was caught for breaking traffic signal. I was not having the money at that time. On my request, the Traffic Police let me go. Later, i returned to that spot and gave the fine and also gave some samosas to the Traffic Police. He was stunned and quite pleased. I am sure, many would think that i am crazy.

When many of us are celebrating Diwali, Holi, Uttarayan and Navratri, Traffic Police are on street to keep the traffic smooth and accident-free. In any season they fight bitter weather to do their job responsibly. They are common people, but they are special as they make our life easy. We see them everyday, but they have rarely been appreciated in public.

C S RATHWA

C S Rathwa has spent 20 years manning traffic signals as Traffic Police. He has devoted his whole life for Ahmdabadis so that we can drive safely. It's time to recognize sacrifice of Ahmedabad Traffic Police.

Life of a Traffic Police is very tough. Standing for 8 hours continuously in the middle of traffic snarl in any weather cannot  be easy by any measure. The task to control and guide Ahmadabad's traffic is made tougher due to poor traffic sense. Large number of population is disrespectful towards traffic rules. Fine collection does not seem to stop rule breakers. Money collected through fine only shows upward trend. Creating awareness through use of different mediums, seems to be more pertinent solution.

Rathwa's salary is only about Rs 17k and got only one promotion. He feels that people here have little regards for this job. He adds, "Though, a traffic police has to sacrifice many festive moments and weekends as a part of the duty for welfare of the society, people don't hesitate in showing disrespect towards them when they are caught violating traffic rules. "

Since the salary paid to Traffic Police is quite low, some readily take bribe. But, i feel those who give bribe  to save their skin are more guilty. The vicious cycle of corruption can only by stopped by giving up bribing.

Previously 10th pass was the basic qualification to become Traffic Police, but now one has to be 12th pass. Now, many graduates join the job. If the government will take some step to make their life better, more number of people will be eager to join this job which is the last choice for the time being. Society will also respect them if they are paid better salary as money is everything in this modern world.