Mohali Motor Market mechanics frustrated over delay in LOI issuance, to meet officials today
Presidents of various markets will be meeting GMADA officials on September 8 (Monday) to demand an explanation for the delay.
2 min read
Mechanics have now made it clear that they no longer want assurances but actual results on paper. (Representational)For motor and scooter mechanics in Mohali, August 14 was a historic day when the distribution of letters of intent (LOIs) began for 224 shops at the new Motor and Scooter Market coming up near Kambali village in Sector 65. Modelled on Chandigarh’s famous motor markets, this project was seen as a major relief for mechanics who have been working for decades on roadside platforms under open skies. But now, delays in the process have sparked frustration among the community.
On that day, in the presence of MLA Kulwant Singh, 25 mechanics were handed LOIs on stage while it was announced that the rest would receive theirs through a computerised process 20 per week sent directly to their home addresses. GMADA officials at the event had assured that the entire exercise would be carried out smoothly.
However, not a single LOI has been issued since August 14. Mechanics say the joy they felt on the eve of Independence Day is slowly turning into disappointment. Gurvinder Singh Sohal, president of the Scooter Market Mechanics Association, said, “We thought our years of struggle had finally been rewarded, but the situation now looks the same as before. When government announcements remain confined to public stages, it erodes trust.”
Amandeep Singh Abiana, president of Mohali Village Motor Market, added, “This issue has been hanging for decades. MLA Kulwant Singh pushed it towards resolution by raising it in the Assembly. But if the LOIs are not issued, it will amount to a huge betrayal of the mechanics.” He pointed out that officials were citing the transfer of the Estate Officer (EO) as the reason for the delay.
Mechanics have now made it clear that they no longer want assurances but actual results on paper. For this reason, presidents of various markets will be meeting GMADA officials on September 8 (Monday) to demand an explanation for the delay.
When contacted, MLA Kulwant Singh said, “This matter has just come to my notice and it is extremely serious. Work should not stop just because an official has been transferred. Once a decision is taken, its implementation must continue. The mechanics need not worry, they will get their LOIs soon.”
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