SSP Traffic Urges Girls to Use ‘Soft Power’ for Road Safety at GDC Poonch

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‘No-Challan, Only Counselling’ Initiative Also Held at Nakhanwali Chowk

FROM EDITOR DESK 

POONCH, SEPT 12:– As part of the ongoing two-week awareness-cum-enforcement drive across the jurisdiction of Traffic Police Rural Jammu, a student symposium and PowerPoint presentation on “Can Heavy Fines and Strict Penalties Change Road Behaviour?” were organised at Government Degree College (GDC), Poonch.
Addressing students and faculty, SSP Traffic Rural Jammu Farooq Qaiser said that traffic enforcement should not be limited to issuing challans or imposing penalties, but must focus on preventing road crashes, saving lives and bringing about lasting behavioural change among road users.
A key highlight of the interaction was the SSP’s appeal to girls and young women to use their “soft power” within their families to promote road safety. He urged them to persuade their fathers, brothers and other family members to wear helmets, use seat belts and strictly follow traffic rules.
He said that a sincere reminder from a daughter or sister can sometimes achieve what a fine or penalty cannot, describing such positive persuasion as a powerful tool rooted in care, trust and family bonds.
During the programme, SSP Qaiser also delivered a PowerPoint presentation highlighting the road-accident scenario, major contributing factors and the vulnerability of two-wheeler users. He called upon students to become road-safety ambassadors and spread the message of responsible road use among their families, peers and communities.
Dr. Jasbir Singh, Principal, GDC Poonch, appreciated the initiative and stressed the importance of sustained road-safety education among students. He said educational institutions have an important role in shaping responsible citizens and developing a culture of traffic discipline among young people.
DySP Traffic Rajouri-Poonch Ajaz Ahmed emphasised the need to combine enforcement with awareness and community participation, observing that road safety is a shared responsibility of the Traffic Police, educational institutions, families and road users.
The symposium witnessed enthusiastic participation, with 12 students taking part and around 300 students and 20 faculty members attending the programme.
The performances were adjudged by a jury comprising Dr. Imtiaz Ahmed, Dr. Mohd. Akram and Dr. Tahseen Anas Khan. The programme was conducted by Dr. Waseem-ul-Haq, while Dr. Amjad Babar served as Convenor, Literary Committee.
Aditya Singh Chandel secured first position, Saniya Hafeez stood second, while Iqra Mumtaz bagged third position. The winners were felicitated with mementos by SSP Traffic Rural Jammu. A memento was also presented to Principal Dr. Jasbir Singh in recognition of the institution’s cooperation and support. Sardar Surjeet Singh also graced the occasion.
The programme reinforced the message that road safety cannot be achieved through enforcement alone. While penalties can act as a deterrent, lasting behavioural change requires awareness, self-discipline, responsible decision-making and collective ownership of road safety.
‘NO-CHALLAN, ONLY COUNSELLING’ AT NAKHANWALI CHOWK
Taking the campaign directly to the streets, Traffic Police Rural Jammu also organised an on-road road-safety counselling session at Nakhanwali Chowk, Poonch, under the innovative “No-Challan, Only Counselling” initiative.
A dedicated canopy was established where road users, particularly two-wheeler riders, were invited to interact with traffic officials and were counselled on helmet use, traffic discipline, safe driving practices and the consequences of risky road behaviour.
No challans were issued during the exercise, with the entire focus remaining on dialogue, sensitisation and persuasion.
The initiative was appreciated by members of the public and reflected the Traffic Police’s efforts to supplement enforcement with community engagement and positive behavioural intervention.
The activities form part of the broader awareness-cum-enforcement strategy of Traffic Police Rural Jammu, with special emphasis on reducing risky behaviour among two-wheeler users and involving young people and the wider community as active stakeholders in the road-safety mission.