The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given its approval for Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill 2016. The important provisions include an increase in compensation for Hit & Run cases from Rs. 25000 to Rs. 2 lakhs. It also has provision for payment of compensation up to Rs 10 lakh in road accidents fatalities. The Bill also proposes insertion of 28 new sections.
Every year 5 lakh road accidents are reported in the country in which 1.5 lakh people lose their lives and the Government is aiming to reduce the accidents and fatalities by 50% in five years. To address the issue of road safety, a draft Road Transport & Safety Bill was prepared soon after NDA Government came to power. However, most of the States have expressed reservations.
To address the issue of road safety and to improve the facilitation of the citizens while dealing with transport departments, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways constituted a Group of Transport Ministers (GoM) of the States. A total of 18 Transport Ministers from different political parties participated in these meetings and they have submitted three interim reports.
The GoM recommended that to address the pressing issue of road safety and improving transport scenario, Government should immediately bring amendments to the present Motor Vehicle Act. The amendments mainly focus on issues relating to improving road safety, citizens’ facilitation while dealing with the Transport Department. Strengthening rural transport, last mile connectivity and public transport, automation and computerization and enabling online services.
