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Not 1, but 2, government tells two-wheeler dealers as it makes helmets must for pillion riders

As per the order, henceforth, it is mandatory for the two-wheeler dealers to sell two helmets to two-wheeler buyers and the Regional Transport Office has to ensure that there are two helmets when a bike is getting registered.

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File picture of police stopping bike riders without helmets in Mumbai
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Sell not one, but two helmets. The Maharashtra government's diktat on helmet has this directive for two-wheeler dealers as well, even as it made helmets compulsory for pillion riders with immediate effect.

Though the transport and traffic department's stringency on the order is questionable, especially when there aren't as many helmets available in the market as there are pillion riders, the order is clear. Wear it or be ready to pay penalty.

As per the order, henceforth, it is mandatory for the two-wheeler dealers to sell two helmets to two-wheeler buyers and the Regional Transport Office has to ensure that there are two helmets when a bike is getting registered.

"While issuing learner's driving licence, an undertaking will be taken from the applicant for wearing helmets. Only then the licences will be issued," says the note issued by the Transport Commissioner.

The penalty for not wearing helmet is Rs 100.

"Helmets are needed for the rider as well as pillion, but it needs to be implemented in a phased manner as the shops don't have the required number of helmets. Plus, the helmets should be that of ISI approved standards. At the moment, ISI-approved helmets for children are not available in Indian markets," observed Aly Premji of Alibhai Premji Tyrewala, a two-wheeler dealer.

The cheapest ISI-approved helmet for adults is priced around Rs 585. The ones available at road side stalls are more cheaper, but are of poor quality and do not meet the safety standards.

Within hours of the order to strictly implement the helmet rule, ignoring the safety aspect of the decision, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray lashed out at the government stating that the decision is being taken to benefit the helmet manufacturers.

Whereas, two-wheeler owners are of the opinion it is not the first time that the government is announcing that helmets are must for pillion riders as well. "Once, I even bought it. But no serious efforts to ensure the same was there on part of the authorities," said Anshuman Shukla, a south Mumbai resident.

Another biker Mukhtar Khan opined, "We will have to carry two helmets even if I am stepping out alone from home. What if a friend asks for a lift?" Another issue for the bikers is that the two-wheelers aren't designed to carry two helmets.

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