LS clears Motor Vehicle bill, aims to increase penalties
Changes in law mean getting driving licences will become tougher
NEW DELHI: The Lok Sabha on Monday cleared amendments to the crucial Motor Vehicle bill that will pave the way for a host of reforms, including imposing hefty penalties for traffic violations, a 10-fold increase in compensation for families of accident victims, check bogus driving licences, and vehicle thefts.
Road transport minister Nitin Gadkari said that once the changes are incorporated in the law, it would be impossible for anyone, including VIPs like politicians, to obtain driving licences without tests. It seeks to make services like the issuance of licences totally transparent and online and provides for punitive action against officials in case of delay in issuing of the document to eligible applicants. “Even as a minister I would not be able to obtain driving licence sitting at home,” Gadkari said.
The bill was passed by a voicevote after several amendments moved by opposition were rejected. An amendment moved by CPI(M) member Sankar Prasad Datta to hike compensation for accidents was defeated by 37 votes in favour and 221 against. Gadkari said it would not be possible to hike compensation to ₹20 lakh in case of death as it would entail a substantial hike in insurance premium.
The bill will now be tabled in Rajya Sabha. Once approved, it will replace the 26-year-old Motor Vehicle Act last amended in 2001. It seeks to enhance penalties for traffic offences by three times. Drunk driving will invite a fine of ₹10,000, up from the existing ₹2,000. Talking on mobiles while driving will result in a fine of ₹5,000, up from ₹1,000..