Road Transport and Safety Bill

Road Transport and Safety Bill: 

It is a Bill which aims to provide a framework for safer, faster, cost effective and inclusive movement of passengers and freight in the country thus enabling the mission of ‘Make in India’.

MAin Highlights of the Bill: 

2 lakhs lives to be saved in first 5 years due to reduction in road traffic accident deaths

4% GDP improvement on account of increased efficiency and safety of road transport sector

10 lac Jobs to be created with increase in investment in the sector

The new Bill makes significant departures from the 1988 Motor Vehicle Act as it includes safety in construction, design, maintenance and use of motor vehicles and roads as a major component.

The Bill provides for more stringent penalties to offenders. A graded penalty point system would now act as a deterrent and improve traffic condition whereas electronic detection and centralized information of offences would facilitate to identify repeat-offenders.

Newly proposed Agencies and systems: 

The Bill proposes to introduce an independent agency called the National Road Safety Authority of India, which will be an independent, legally empowered and accountable expert lead agency. It shall be accountable to the Parliament and Central Government.

The new Bill provides for the establishment of State Safety Authorities which shall act in accordance with the directions issued by the National Authority.

The Bill seeks to establish a unified driver licensing system in India which will be transparent. Such a system shall facilitate any time anywhere licence application mechanism in the country and mitigate duplication of licences from various regional transport offices.

 According to the Provisions of the Bill there will be a unified vehicle registration system to enable electronic and online submission of applications for registration at any registering authority leading to real time interchange of data relating to such an activity.

On the safety issues, the Bill envisages for enforcement of modern safety technologies. It also contains the provision for creation of a motor vehicle accident fund for immediate relief to the accident victim.

It gives special emphasis on safety of school children and security of women.

The Bill also includes the setting up of a Highway Traffic Regulation and Protection Force (HTRPF).

Why CRITICISM of the bill ??

Due to some provisions in the proposed bill. They say that the proposed fines are too high.

According to provisions of the Bill, the Motor Vehicle Act 1988 will be scrapped and State RTOs will close. Instead, a Central authority will be created and private entities will issue and renew licences. This move is not being welcomed.

The provisions in the Bill are said to be against the principles of jurisprudence. Some state governments allege that the bill encroaches upon the financial, legislative and administrative powers of state governments.