Times
of India: Nagpur: Thursday, 20 November 2014.
A social worker has approached the judiciary,
claiming that over 13 lakh unfit vehicles are running all over Maharashtra due to the apparent
failure of the government, thus putting lives of crores of citizens in peril.
Quoting information released under the RTI Act, Paramjeet Singh Kalshi said
that failure on the part of respondents, including state home department, in
properly implementing the provisions of Motor Vehicles (MV) Act, has led to
spurt in mishaps and comprised public safety.
Principal secretary (transport), state transport
commissioner and director general of police (traffic) are the other respondents
in the case. The petitioner, who filed the PIL through counsel Anil Kilor, pointed
out that vehicle population in the state has jumped from 14.59 lakh in 2006-07 to 19.83 lakh in 2011-12.
The petitioner contended that motor vehicles
department recovers huge revenue from motorists and four-wheeler owners, but
has failed to provide facilities like crane, Breathalyzer, data card reader,
and ambulance for emergencies.
The RTI replies disclosed that the joint regional
transport officers in Nagpur and rural areas cannot verify the genuineness of
Smart Cards, which have replaced driving licenses. The petitioner claimed that
anybody could easily claim nationality on the basis of fake cards. Ironically,
a majority of the motor vehicle department officials lack requisite academic
qualifications.
While citing example of official apathy, Kalshi
said from March to July very few drivers were fined for not wearing the seat
belt. The deputy regional transport offices under Nagpur (Rural) - Chandrapur,
Gondia, Gadchiroli, and Bhandara - failed to check even a single vehicle in
this period. RTO officials also failed to register a single case of violation
of Rule 222, 234 and 236 (improper number plate) of Maharashtra Motor Vehicle Rules in three years.
Stressing on making ambulances available on
highways, the petitioner said that most accident victims die due to absence of
proper medical care, as they can't be taken to the hospital in time. The rise
in number of mishaps can also be attributed to trucks and four-wheelers
standing on the highways. Even vehicles needing repairs and parked on the roadside
without proper parking lights lead to fatal mishaps, especially in night, and
for this parking space should be made available on every road.
Deliberating on the misuse of number plates,
Kalshi, also a businessman, said owners roam freely without any fear as RTO
officials turn a blind eye to all such illegalities.
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