Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Ajay Chandrakar (who is also holding the responsibility of Home Department) made an appeal during question hour in the Chhattisgarh Assembly on Monday that House members should collectively pass a resolution so that political pressure diluting effective enforcement of using helmet by two wheeler riders could be prevented.
Expressing concern over road fatalities across the State, BJP member Devji Bhai Patel sought information about number of cities in the State where use of helmet has been made mandatory during the last three years.
Besides, he also urged the Minister to provide information about initiatives taken during helmet campaign and action taken against traffic violators.
Meanwhile, Patel also sought information about fine recovered from traffic offenders till February 19 this year.
During the past three years, orders have been issued for making use of helmet compulsory in urban and rural areas of the State, replied Chandrakar.
He further informed that aiming to spread awareness about the benefit of using helmet, the Government has carried out various campaigns by ensuring the participation of students from schools and colleges, NCC cadets and volunteers of Scouts and Guides.
In addition, banners, posters and flexes have been put up in public places and major squares to display the importance of wearing helmet. Besides, pamphlets were also distributed among the citizens.
A campaign was also carried out by displaying visuals in television channels and cinema halls, added Chandrakar.
The amount of over Rs 2.97 crore was recovered by imposing fine on around owners of 120944 vehicles till February 19, 2016, informed Chandrakar.
Meanwhile, Patel also raised question about the quality of helmets being sold on the road side and uneven fine charged by traffic personnel, on which Chandrakar assured the House for taking requisite steps.
He further said that fines are being imposed as per the rule.