Market Associations should intervene in public interest
Scams in every walk of life are becoming epidemic; online scams are by faceless people, making lack of awareness a tool for extortion. But what can one say about the brazen, in-your-face loot by Parking Mafia, in almost every market? Different rate structures in different areas make it even more confusing for not-so-regular users. The situation at Commercial & District Centers is even more alarming, where they charge at will.
Such is their brazenness that they are willing to pick up a fight on being told the correct parking charges. There are places where they charge Rs. 100 even if you park for half an hour. I consider myself more aware and somewhat bold in taking them on, at least in GK-1. It was a Sunday, and I was in an extreme rush as I had a flight to catch and a gift to pick up from Fab India, N-Block Market. I am no stranger to this market; having parked and rushed in with my wife into Fab India, for a quick purchase, we were out in less than 15 minutes.
The parking attendant gave me a slip; I pulled out Rs.20/- and moved on. The attendant called out Tees Rupai hain saab. I said no it’s 20, he said check the Slip, being in a rush my wife pulled out Rs.10/- and handed it over to him. To my surprise, the slip stated Vehicle Type: Commercial, Parking Charges: Rs. 60/ for the first 2 hours. I told him mine is not a commercial vehicle; he said that is why he has charged Rs.30/- and the same rate is in force for six months.
We were in a rush. I saved the slip as I intend to report the matter to the police on returning, but I am writing this in the public interest as not reporting such loot emboldens such people. The bigger question is: where are the law enforcers? Why are citizens so helpless, even in a crowded neighbourhood market? By the time you read this, I would have taken up the matter with the Market Association and reported it to the police. Please do write in to inform us about your experience.
