PANAJI
In a move to strengthen the existing Motor Vehicles Act, a special committee has been constituted by the Union ministry to look into for making serious changes to the act.
Transport Minister Sudin Dhavalikar who is also on the nine-member committee will also be part of the committee to suggest changes in the age-old act.
“Union Minister Nitin Gadkari had constituted a committee to bring changes to the act that is really old. We’ve already had our first meeting in Delhi and the next one is scheduled on May 20 in Bengaluru,” Dhavalikar said.
Other state representatives included in the committee are ministers from the state of Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Meghalaya, Kerala and Kashmir. Some of the recommendations made to the Centre include simplifying of application forms, issuing of learning licenses, a serious review of enforcements for violations including drunk and juvenile driving as well as helmet violations.
According to the recommendation, Dhavalikar said the proposal to raise the fine from Rs 100 to Rs 800 for more than three violations and suspend licence for six months upon further violation.
Other aspects discussed during the meeting include dress codes for drivers, educational qualifications of conductors, registration of vehicles at the dealers level, creation of a road safety traffic management committee, insurance coverage for drivers and periodical renewal of fitness for all drivers and invalid carriages.
The recommendations made in the last meeting expected to be held in June will be submitted to the Union Transport Department, which will then be placed before Parliament for approval.
