Mumbai: The state government, which appears to have decided to take the helmet issue head on, has announced a ‘no helmet no fuel’ policy which is to be implemented across the state. The opposition, however, has raised questions over the effective implementation of the measure while welcoming it in principle.
Transport minister Diwarkar Raote, who announced the decision in the legislative assembly on Thursday, said that by allowing bikers without helmet to refuel the petrol pump operators were violating the rules and the government has decided to put a stop to it. Also, as per the provisions of the Motor Vehicle Act both the biker and the pillion rider will have to compulsorily wear a helmet. The Mumbai police had made helmet compulsory for pillion riders two months ago; it was, however, noticed that bikers without helmet were able to obtain fuel without
fuss. Hence the government has decided to implement the ‘no helmet no fuel’ policy across the state, Raote said while announcing the decision. The petrol pump associations have been asked accordingly not to supply fuel to bikers without helmet starting August 1.
A slightly sceptical NCP leader Ajit Pawar demanded to know whether the rule is only for the common man or police personnel, too. “There are many instances of police constables and police inspectors roaming in the city without helmet, without any fear. Is the directive only for the common man?” questioned Pawar.
Raote replied, “The police, too, will have to follow the rules and the department would take action against them if they are found violating the same.”
