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Lok Sabha nod to bill for amending Motor Vehicle law

The bill was passed via voice vote and certain amendments recommended by the Opposition was rejected by voice vote.

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After a day-long discussion, the Lok Sabha passed The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2019 on Tuesday with opposition members too supporting safety and traffic violation aspects of the bill but at the same time accusing the Centre of trying to take away powers of states with certain provisions.

The bill was passed via voice vote and certain amendments recommended by the Opposition was rejected by voice vote.

Responding to DMK's Kanimozhi and Premachandran's queries about guardians of juveniles being arrested in case of accident, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari replied that "the clause is kept so that parents and guardians take responsibility of their children and not let them drive".

Responding to NCP's Supriya Sule's question about electric vehicle subsidy, the Minister said, "It is not part of the policy yet. We are considering the London model. Gadkari said that technology could bring down accidents.

"There is a system that doesn't allow the vehicle to run if the driver is under the influence of alcohol. Similarly those driving without seat belts can be alerted in the police control rules."

Gadkari assured that accidents would reduce after the Bill comes to effect. Gadkari appreciated the Tamil Nadu government for bringing down accidental deaths.

"Black spots will be eliminated. More expressways are being constructed. With the help of states, we will transform the roadways," he said.

He also said that they have removed education clause from the bill. "We removed the education clause after the Haryana CM (Chief Minister) requested so. Many lost driver's licence because they couldn't prove they had passed eighth class," he said.

The bill aims at weeding out corruption, improving road safety and promotes the use of more technology to regulate traffic. The bill provides a scheme for providing interim relief to claimants seeking compensation under third party insurance and increases the minimum compensation in hit-and-run cases.

In case of death, there is a provision for Rs 25,000 to Rs two lakh, and in case of grievous injuries, it is between Rs 12,500 and Rs 50,000.

The Bill proposes to increase penalties for several offences under the Act. The maximum penalty for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs has been raised from Rs 2,000 to Rs 10,000.

If a vehicle manufacturer fails to comply with motor vehicle standards, the penalty could go up to Rs 100 crore, or imprisonment of up to one year, or both. Besides, if a contractor fails to comply with road design standards, the penalty will be a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh.

The government may increase the fines mentioned under the Act every year by up to 10 per cent.

TWO-WHEELER RICK

  • Union Road Transport  and Highways Minister said soon two-wheeler taxis would be a reality.
     
  • This facility will help people living in villages and tehsils. 
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